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National Anthem etiquette....
Watching the AA game. National Anthem is going on. Gotta say something to get it off my chest because so many appear to have no idea how you respect the anthem. Many players are doing it correctly, but enough don't know or don't care that it is troublesome to this retired Marine. Here's what you do:
-Hat off head.
-Right hand over your heart. If you are holding your hat in your right hand, the hat does not go over your heart (which puts your hand over your stomach), the hat will be up around your shoulder. Hand is always over heart. Also, right hand does not cling to your collar (saw lots of players doing this). That is just disrespectful...like you cant be bothered. Top tip...hold your hat in your left hand.
-Stand still and face the flag. Do not dance around, sway back and forth, look around the stadium, stare at your feet... Have a little discipline and remain still.
-Military guys (Former and current) have the option to stand at attention (which is what I usually do unless in uniform) or salute (it is appropriate for military guys to salute out of uniform, and required when in uniform).
Off my soap box. Thanks.
Comments
pgjackson, I applaud your stance! If it too much trouble for people to properly respect the Flag or the National Anthem, then they should find a country that they do respect!
I am a crusty, old, set in my ways Vietnam Veteran and have zero patience for those who choose to disrespect the Flag or National Anthem. Ours is not a perfect country, but it is far superior to any other country (especially in citizens’ ability to protest their government’s policies). There are proper ways to express a person’s objections/opinions such as voting, responsible protests, etc., but disrespecting the Flag or National Anthem is not the way.
pgjackson, you are the man!
Etiquette isnt law... 🤷🏾♂️
That's why it's more important to show proper respect. If you don't know, fine...I just posted the general etiquette rules. If you don't' care....well, I feel sorry for you. Not you TLJ personally, just anyone in general who doesn't care or thinks they are dumb rules.
Current Texas A&M Basketball Coach brought in Veterans when he explained to his Virginia Tech team how they would be respectful during the Anthem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qz58jMhDDA
I wasnt going against your stance just bringing what I've noticed from the changing of times. Yes America is great to live in but I think the youth are able to be more vocal about politics. But I also think these guys are in a different element mentally prior to games. I used to sway and look at the ground or sway and stare at the person I'd stick etc.
Gotta say as a Marine myself, its a little nit picky man. As long as youre respecting it in some way im all about it. I tend to sway to the song as I sing it, is that wrong of me? I shouldnt sway to the rhythm, as I sing it proudly? In uniform is one thing, I have never stood at attention out of uniform, minus a veterans funeral. Also, no Marine, ever, salutes without their cover on. Just my $.02 from one Marine to the other.
Awesome! Some of the vets were doing the "hat on heart" thing, but other than that it's a great tutorial.
I think part of the problem is over-exposure. Just about any assemblage of Americans will have a National Anthem segment. There are exceptions, I guess - rock concerts?, jazz festivals?, golf tournament?, cello recitals? - but most largest gatherings outdoors have a NA.
And TV: if you're watching at home or a pub, there is the "am I really supposed to do something here?" decision. How many do?
I think the NA is over-done. Likely a Cold War thing, but the NA has been a thing for a long time. But with TV, it becomes something that is mostly ignored by one group - those at home - and scrutinized for those on site.
The NA at private functions probably should be reserved for special events, like a championship, playoff game or a bowl game. I am a veteran and love my country. I do observe the expectations when on site, but it has been a long time that I do so at home.
I think if people were taught appropriate etiquette for the National Anthem, you would see them display that type of etiquette without being compelled to do so. It’s mostly ignorance. People aren’t taught what is considered respectful behavior, so they emulate what they see from their favorite players.
I for one, respect our flag, country, and military and was never taught this. I honestly just did what Michael Jordan did during the anthem when I was a high school player.
Thanks for sharing! In the future, I will act accordingly.
I can't believe this is even a debate (present company excluded) & it's the reason I stopped watching the NFL for a couple years. In my day you respected the flag, national anthem & the men who fought to protect our taken for granted freedoms or you were pummeled. Period.
That's correct... Etiquette is not doing something because it is required. It is doing something because it is the right thing to do.
This is America, feel free to do whatever you want. Sure, some people may not like it, but its your right to stand on your head during the anthem if you want. #merica
Why do certain athletes feel the need to use sports, which should be an escape, to make some kind of misguided statement?
Probably because that is their platform..
They have plenty of off time to share their infinite wisdom.....to make a spectacle during the national anthem is pure stank