Flag Etiquette - Conduct During the National Anthem

A few months ago I promised that I would go over the rules associated with the National Anthem on our blog. Well, better late than never.

During a rendition of the national anthem, when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart; men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note.

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.

Pretty self explanatory, but believe it or not, there are people out there who don't know the proper way to act during the National Anthem. I'd actually like to believe that these people are just ignorant rather than purposely choosing to refrain from showing respect. But this is America.... land of the free.

Portions reprinted from the CRS Report for Congress, The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions, Updated July 5, 2007