Perspective -- Eric

I learn something new everyday. After reading my esteemed colleagues post, I found the following information on what you're supposed to do during the National Anthem.

From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 3, 2006]
[CITE: 36USC301]


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 \1\ MARCH, AND TREE

Sec. 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,
he 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.

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1263.)

So, given the code, I guess everyone in the photo Tony posted was participating in the National Anthem observance incorrectly, but then again, they are democrats...forgive them.

So, for all those years that I've been going to football, basketball, and baseball games, I stand up when they are singing the anthem, but I never put my hand over my heart. I was wrong, but I never knew that. I guess they didn't teach that in civics class, and I was never in the millitary, so...

Anyway, I started to do a little poking around, and lo and behold, I find an interesting picture taken during the singing of the national anthem. Actually, I found several, but I'll only post the actual picture of this one. If you follow the links at the bottom, notice how many Americans don't seem to be placing their hands over their hearts. I'm outraged!

Lord have mercy! Tony, do tell me what branch of the armed forces this guy is in? Also, looking at this picture, what rank might this gentleman be?

It would appear as if this issue with people correctly displaying their patriotism, according to conservatives, is running rampant! This must be stopped, and I suggest the millitary guy...this...this serviceman in the blue uniform is stripped of his rank, and denounced immediately! (or some such conservative talk...)

http://www.theautochannel.com/callahan/2001texas/national_anthem01.jpg

http://www.pop-rb-gospel.com/db4/00350/pop-rb-gospel.com/_uimages/GwensNationalAnthem.jpg

http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/i/socialdiary/03_11_08/across/DADT/National-Anthem-2.jpg

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.nba.com/media/celtics/anthem_singer300400.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.nba.com/celtics/entertainment/2007-anthem-auditions.html&h=400&w=300&sz=93&hl=en&start=57&sig2=ivtYRduGMLxmwtanQQeAYA&tbnid=NWDV3A58Lk7BjM:&tbnh=124&tbnw=93&ei=GHKgSIiXMZH2ebiBwagF&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dnational%2Banthem%26start%3D42%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/08_OB_National_Anthem.jpg/800px-08_OB_National_Anthem.jpg