Why do some Nascar drivers or other team members not put their hand on their heart during National Anthem?

Question

In this past week pre-race I heard the announcer ask everyone to remain standing, keep hats off, & place their hand over their heart during the singing of the National Anthem.

However while it was being sung (as each week) the camera pans through the drivers & their teams... but a lot of them did not listen to that announcement.

I only bring this up because there has been so much said about the current Democratic presidential nominee that some are outraged at his lack of respect.

I just would like to know, is there a reason why is NASCAR not held to the same standard? I love Nascar... & I am not ranting or anything like that... I just would like to know if there is a reason why?

Answer 1

I don't think putting your hand over your heart during the National Anthem is mandatory. I have always seen it done during The Pledge of Allegiance, but not the anthem. I agree with most everybody else though. Stand still, tall and proud, and for crying out loud, shut up during the song.

Answer 2

I totally agree with you. There is nothing that says it's mandatory but if the announcer requests it, it should be respected. It's the same thing as those who do not even look at the flag or leave their hats on. A lot of chatting goes on in the stands too.

It is only out of respect for our countries flag and all our service men & women who are fighting to keep us free. The National Anthem has been sung at almost every sporting event as long as I can remember. I always think about 911 and how the Flag was flying everywhere and patriotism was at a very high peak. That's how it should be today. How quickly some forget. And now we have a Presidential nominee who chooses to be disrespctful, why is a great question Star for you!

Answer 3

h**l, the President didn't do it at the Olympics when he was at the USA basketball game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In years past for NASCAR the drivers were already in the cars when the National Anthem was played. It has only been in the last 5 years that the crews were lined up on one of the edges of their pit stall. They used to be doing final prep on the cars and double checks as the command to start engines was right after the anthem finished.

Answer 4

Personal choice I guess. That's what makes America the country it is...we all have the freedom to choose.

Answer 5

I didn't realize that it is actually required.  This is what I found:  See section (:1) part (A) below.

US CODE:

TITLE 36–PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND ORGANIZATIONS

SUBTITLE I–PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES AND CEREMONIES

PART A–OBSERVANCES AND CEREMONIES

CHAPTER 3–NATIONAL ANTHEM, MOTTO, FLORAL EMBLEM, AND MARCH

Section 301–National Anthem

(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.

*HEXX*

Answer 6

Wish I could come up with a good answer.

I do know that schools do not teach the respect to the flag as it was taught when I was in school.

As a Veteran the respect to the Flag honors every man or woman that has served this great country.

Answer 7

To answer your question, I think the reason they don't is because they do have a lot of things flying around in their heads in those last few minutes before the race starts.  Is that an excuse?  No.

I don't mind if they don't put their hand over their heart.  I don't mind if they don't sing it.  I don't  mind of they don't bow their head during the pre-race prayer.  But by golly if they're not going to do those things then they had better not be doing anything else.  At the opening to the Daytona 500 this year the cameras showed Jeff Gordon chattering away with his wife while she was playing with his hair.  Jeff..Shut Up!  Ingrid, stop playing with his hair...it's only going to get messed up during the race in his helmet.

Nothing annoys me more than going to a sporting event, or any event for that matter that plays the national anthem, and people do not stop and pay the proper respects.  They tend to scurry around even faster, going "ooh, ooh, I've only got a few minutes til the end of this song to find my seats and then the event starts...Aaah!"

Answer 8

I think it should be a matter of personal choice. If you feel patriotic enough to put your hand over your heart, so it. If your brain in full of "how can I load that front tire 3/10th's of a second faster", it probably slips their mind.

I was raised to do it, some folks were not. I don't think it should be mandatory. Heck, I don't even understand why we play the National Anthem before every sporting event, anyway. What does it have to do with racing or basketball or football? I like to sing the Canadian anthem, though. Such a nice song.

Unpatriotic, I guess.

Answer 9

Heck, this past Sunday I had my hand on my heart and the DVR remote in my other hand. And I was at home in my living room! Standing up! You should have seen the look my oldest daughter gave me!

It was the first time ever.(I guess I was pumped for bristol) But when your there, in the stands,

not doing so is like leaving your cell phone on during a funeral ceremony or something. It's just wrong.

Answer 10

Traditionally, we place our hand over our heart during the Pledge of Allegiance, but not during the singing of the National Anthem.   It's just a matter of choice, and frankly, I'm tired of a person's patriotism being called into question if they don't put their hand over their heart, or wear a flag pin.  

Answer 11

A lot of good men and women died or were permanently disabled/disfigured so that people could have the right to spit on them or their graves. I think it's a good example of how selfish people have gotten. Won't even take 2 minutes to say "Thank you for dying for my freedom." Pathetic. Nothing more, nothing less.  

Answer 12

There is no rule that makes it mandatory for any American to place their hand over their heart. It is a matter of personal choice.

I agree that the idiots who talk away (Jeff Gordon and his Wife), chew gum (most pit crew members) or seem to be bothered by the whole thing (Juan Pablo once) should be banned.

If they cant take one minute to show respect for the country that makes it possible for them to participate in the greatest sport in the world, then ship 'em all off to some third world country to race oxen in the fields.

I defer comment of the political agenda.

Answer 13

Personal preference.

Answer 14

Either they're not Americans or they drive Toyotas

Sounds like a lack of respect to me.