What is proper protocol for National Anthem?

Question

Okay, I know you salute the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance, but what about when they sing the national anthem? Some people stay saluting and some do not. I was under the impression that only service men saluted during the anthem, does anyone know, and have a source to back it up? Thanks

Answer 1

First off, you put your hand over heart for the Pledge.  Military salute.  If you are wearing a hat, you should remove it for both.  You can stand straight, arms at side for the playing of the anthem, and you can sing along if you wish.  With my nickname, you can guess what I do.

Answer 2

Former Marine and patriot.

Proper protocol is to stand, face the flag, and hold your right hand over your heart. Military salutes outdoors, but indoors when they are "uncovered" ( no headgear) at the position of "attention".

Policemen and other officials in uniform also salute the flag.

Answer 3

It is optional to the individual.

Answer 4

If you are non military, you are supposed to stand during the National Anthem. Hand on the heart is optional.

Answer 5

a veteran here. you stand, face the flag, hand on heart for non military. salute for military.

Answer 6

When the song is performed in public, the US National Anthem Code, adopted in 1942, specifies the etiquette rules for playing and responding to the song. The audience members are expected to face the American flag, if one is displayed, and stand in an attitude of respectful attention. If the flag is not present, the audience faces the direction of the music and still stands in a respectful attention.

People in uniform, including military personnel, fire service and law enforcement officers, are expected to salute or "present arms" during the national anthem from the first note and hold the salute until the last note is played. People not in military or other uniforms are expected to remove their hats and place their right hands over their hearts.

And officially, from the "code of conduct" itself:

(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) all present except those in uniform 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

(C) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; 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.

Answer 7

Stand up straight and put your hand over your heart.

Answer 8

You should only salute if you are or were a member of the armed forces. Otherwise, it is customary to face the flag, remove your hats (for gentleman), and place your right hand over your heart. Singing is optional.