08-23-2013, 09:27 AM
Morning all. Sunny and warm. Front coming through so no telling what this evening. Off with Wifey to run errands.
Seems confusion on what to do when the National Anthem is played. Has changed since I was in the school and the Army. I researched it this AM. One site said you were required to do nothing. Farther research shows:
Proper protocol for Star-Spangled Banner is found in a separate code under Title 36 of Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies,and Organizations, and listed under Chapter 3, Section 301 on the National Anthem:xx During a rendition of the National Anthem, when the flag is displayed, (a) all present should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart; (b) 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; and (d) 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.
However, in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, it contained an amendment to allow non-uniformed service members, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, and passing of the U.S. Flag. In a later amendment in 2009, it authorized a hand-salute during the National Anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. Thus part (b) above was modified to include "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."
So, in recap, for the Pledge of Allegiance, if not in active military uniform, men's hats are removed and held over the heart. For the National Anthem, if not in active military uniform, men's hats should be removed and held over the heart, or may be left intact and a military-style salute given. And, as a side note, women are never required to remove their hat, whether in uniform or not, but still hold their hand over their heart (non-military or veteran) or present a military salute (if in uniform or a veteran).
So, hopefully, now the next time you attend a ball game, concert, school event, or public event you will know.
Later
Seems confusion on what to do when the National Anthem is played. Has changed since I was in the school and the Army. I researched it this AM. One site said you were required to do nothing. Farther research shows:
Proper protocol for Star-Spangled Banner is found in a separate code under Title 36 of Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies,and Organizations, and listed under Chapter 3, Section 301 on the National Anthem:xx During a rendition of the National Anthem, when the flag is displayed, (a) all present should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart; (b) 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; and (d) 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.
However, in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, it contained an amendment to allow non-uniformed service members, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, and passing of the U.S. Flag. In a later amendment in 2009, it authorized a hand-salute during the National Anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. Thus part (b) above was modified to include "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."
So, in recap, for the Pledge of Allegiance, if not in active military uniform, men's hats are removed and held over the heart. For the National Anthem, if not in active military uniform, men's hats should be removed and held over the heart, or may be left intact and a military-style salute given. And, as a side note, women are never required to remove their hat, whether in uniform or not, but still hold their hand over their heart (non-military or veteran) or present a military salute (if in uniform or a veteran).
So, hopefully, now the next time you attend a ball game, concert, school event, or public event you will know.
Later
TCA 05-58541 American Legion NRA Retired Mayor of Rolesville NC