“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.” –George Washington
I was taught this etiquette in grade school, but need to review it every once in a while. I know many people younger than me, were not taught these things. So I have compiled the proper etiquette for the playing of the National Anthem, viewing the U.S. Flag, and saying the Pledge of Allegiance. I hope you will find this helpful and maybe even learn something new.
On June 22, 1942, Congress passed a joint resolution, later amended on December 22, 1942, that encompassed what has come to be known as the U.S. Flag Code. It contains important guideline of how citizens should behave around the Stars and Stripes. There is also a code for conduct when the National Anthem is playing.US Federal Statute (36 U.S. Code § 301 – National anthem)
The etiquette for The National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and the U.S flag have several thing in common. We will start with the National Anthem. When our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, is played, we stand at attention in respect for those who fought and can no longer stand.
National Anthem Etiquette:
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The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.Conduct During Playing.—During a rendition of the national anthem—(1)when the flag is displayed—(A)individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
Other etiquette:
- Don’t talk during the anthem.
- Remove your sunglasses.
- Don’t eat or drink during the song. If you’re chewing gum, stop until the anthem has ended. Have nothing in your hands (except a hat); put all electronic devices away including your phone.
- Since it’s our nation’s song, we should sing along, but it is not required. If you do sing, sing at a moderate volume.
- Something I didn't know, after the song is completed, it’s not proper to applaud. Applauding goes against the code. Our National Anthem is a hymn, and we usually don’t applaud after hymns.
Pledge of Allegiance:
- When pledging allegiance to the flag, follow the manners of participating in the National Anthem listed above.
- Say the Pledge out loud with the rest of those gathered.
- Look at the flag as the Pledge is said, and don’t forget to put your right hand over your heart. Placing a hand over the heart during the Pledge of Allegiance is a gesture of respect, honesty, and genuine intention. In many cultures, it signifies that one is not bearing arms and is making an honorable commitment.
U.S. Flag Etiquette:
- Any time you’re at an event and the flag passes you, stand up as you see it come into your line of vision. Follow all the protocols of listening to the National Anthem listed above. And remain standing until the flag has passed you and your family or group.
For more information on Flag etiquette visit USFlag.org.
That seems like a lot, but it mostly comes down to this: stand at attention, remove your hats, hand over your heart. We have been blessed by God to live in this country. Let's honor that by respecting the etiquette and guidelines that have been set up for us.
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6 comments
Can the Pledge of Allegiance be recited after the National Anthem is sung at an event?
Excellent information and discussion on a topic worth thinking about. There is one crime, though, that I have never seen mentioned. As we get towards the end of our recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, we say " one nation, under God, indivisible, with " etc., etc. Only problem is there is NO comma between “nation” and “under”. It’s supposed to be one smooth four word phrase. The Pledge, along with the Flag and the National Anthem, are symbols and rituals we use to express our most heartfelt and personal beliefs in who we are as a people. They are in the realm of the Sacred, and considered worthy of a strict and formal adherence to how they are used and presented. We really are not allowed to make it up as we go along. That being said, I can report that when I attempted to correct and retrain a group of 40 kids at a 4-Meeting, they did very well. Now I just have to set up to help the rest of the U.S. population. Might take awhile.
This is a good reminder, especially in a culture that is increasingly showing disrespect for the flag, our military, and our police.
Thank you.
One Word #4 – July
Thank you for this reminder. I have long since known not to applaud after the National Anthem. I have looked many places for this code. I am a teacher and our school is a DAR school. We pride ourselves in Patriotic education. One bit of advice, if I may. Update this lovely article, after you run it through Grammarly and republish it.
I learned some etiquette rules that I had never been taught, like removing sunglasses during the anthem. I always like seeing people sing along. Thanks for sharing these, Jodee! Good to be reminded of them.