OT: is it required?

[MegaBlue05]

You shoulda punched the old hag. J/k

I guess I'm just not very patriotic, according to the official rules. I remove my cap and stand silently facing the flag. I've never done the hand thing. Never will.

I'll be the first to admit I'm not into nationalism and overvaluing symbolism. I'm respectful of and thankful for those who served, but don't feel I must make a public display at a sporting event to prove it.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

So I went with a buddy to the UNC/Notre Dame game played in Greensboro a couple weeks back. As the national anthem was playing, I stood and respectfully faced the flag with my hands clasped behind my back, like I always have. Out of nowhere, I took a nasty elbow to the ribs from the little old lady beside me, who said "what's a matter?....YOU DON'T LOVE YOUR COUNTRY??? Put your hand over your heart!" I just stood there in shock, not knowing what to say, but at that point I refused to be 'guilted' into covering my heart just to make her happy. I consider myself a very proud member of the USA. Was I wrong? Is it required to cover your heart? She was apparently so disgusted by me that she switched seats with a family member down the row....

That is how we always did it growing up at baseball games. Take off your hat, and put both hands and your hat behind your back. That was how we showed respect.
I understand now some people believe you have to have your hand over your heart. I don't know. Maybe it's a baseball tradition.

 

[akaukswoosh]

So I went with a buddy to the UNC/Notre Dame game played in Greensboro a couple weeks back. As the national anthem was playing, I stood and respectfully faced the flag with my hands clasped behind my back, like I always have. Out of nowhere, I took a nasty elbow to the ribs from the little old lady beside me, who said "what's a matter?....YOU DON'T LOVE YOUR COUNTRY??? Put your hand over your heart!" I just stood there in shock, not knowing what to say, but at that point I refused to be 'guilted' into covering my heart just to make her happy. I consider myself a very proud member of the USA. Was I wrong? Is it required to cover your heart? She was apparently so disgusted by me that she switched seats with a family member down the row....

I think standing for the anthem is enough. I pay my taxes too. Those who go overboard on an issue are usually hiding something anyway.

 

[Goingfor9]

[eyeroll]

should've punted her down about 8 rows.

And said "there's your Stars and Stripes hooker!"

 

[Goingfor9]

(a)Designation.—
The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b)Conduct During Playing.—During a rendition of the national anthem—
(1) when the flag is displayed—
(A)
individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B)
members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C)
all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(2)
when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

Are these military instructions bc none of this applies to civilians.? We do what we want. Please explain where this mumbo jumbo comes from

 

[*CatinIL*]

Are these military instructions bc none of this applies to civilians.? We do what we want. Please explain where this mumbo jumbo comes from

Actually an ABC website I pulled from the Firefox search engine.