Nearly 80 years ago on March 3, 1931, the “Star Spangled Banner” was officially adopted by congressional resolution, signed by president Herbert Hoover, and became our national anthem.
With the conclusion of the Winter Olympics, where U.S. athletes watched nine times as their anthem was played, it seems to be the perfect time to look at the anthem, the flag and what's expected when and where the two converge.
Either live at area sporting events, or watching on TV, we've all observed how those present during the playing of the anthem, or pledge of allegiance, treat the moment.
There are both elements of the utmost respect – singing with hand over heart – or the ultimate in disrespect – like at a recent Spokane Chiefs hockey game where during the singing of the anthem a disgusted voice belted out, “take off your hat” to someone who seemed not to know better.
A little history lesson is always good to toss into the discussion to remind us how the anthem came to be, and maybe learn something we may never have known.
We're all probably somewhat familiar with the story behind the poem Francis Scott Key wrote after he watched the British bombardment of Ft. McHenry in Baltimore Harbor on Sept. 3, 1814 during the War of 1812. When the smoke cleared, and by the dawn's early light, the gigantic flag – some 30 to 40 feet in size – still waved over the fort.
The British had enough and they retreated from their efforts to capture the fort. They did, however, leave something behind. Because when it came time to put the poem to music it was paired with the tune of an old British beer drinking song.
So maybe that's why some people treat the playing of the anthem and display of the flag in such varied ways.
According to the official Flag Code, during the playing of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present, except those in military uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.
And while it might be a rare occurrence, when a flag is not displayed during the anthem, those present should face the music with their hand over the heart.
For the Pledge of Allegiance the same holds true except for men wearing hats. They should remove their hat and place it over their left shoulder, thus still keeping their hand over the heart.
Display of the flag deserves entirely its own treatment. In brief it should not be draped over any vehicle. And as much as there are those who display the flag – and their patriotism –with the devices such as those that clip to a car window, that too breaks with protocol. On a vehicle a flag “shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender,” the code says.
As much as it may feel right, wearing the flag as clothing, or draping it across the body also goes against rules.
The anthem, pledge and flag are not only symbols of our country, but are also here to remind us of the sacrifices so many have made to preserve the freedoms we have.
So the next time the opportunity presents itself where the flag is displayed, the anthem played or pledge recited, take off your hat, stand at attention for the short time it takes. Sing if you want. Can't we make that simple sacrifice?
Reader Comments(0)