Why do we stand and place our hands on our chests for the pledge of allegiance?

Question

Don't say, 'to show respect' or something like that. Duh.

I mean, is there a specific reason for this? Like an old belief or superstition? Is there a metaphor? Things like that.

Answer 1

I think it shows that you're porud to be in America the land of the free and the home of the brave and are proud for the soldiers who fought for the freedom to get you here! And they're still fighting for it!

Answer 2

You are making a pledge, taking an oath, so you put your hand on your heart.  Its an old thing, very old.  Like putting your hand on the Bible to swear you're going to tell the truth in court.  It is swearing by your own heart you will protect the flag...etcetc.  You are offering your life to the nation.  

It goes far beyond showing respect.

Answer 3

Don't worry, Obama will abolish this tradition. He seems more neutral than anything.

Answer 4

google it.

Answer 5

You hand is above our on your heart. Hand over Heart equals love of your country.

Answer 6

The protocol for how Americans should behave during patriotic and national observances and ceremonies can be found in the U.S. Code, an enlightening if dryly written compilation of general and permanent federal laws published by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Scroll down to Chapter 3, Section 301 of Title 36 and you get to the part about what to do when the National Anthem is played.

If the U.S. flag is displayed — and it apparently matters not if this is an indoor or outdoor venue — everyone except “those in uniform” should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.

Men not in uniform but wearing hats should “remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.”

Military personnel in uniform “should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note.”