08-24-2008, 01:24 PM
I thought it was while the Pledge of Allegiance was being recited that people put their hands over their hearts. I remember being taught that, but I don't remember anything about putting one's hand over their heart during the National Anthem.
Edit: So I posted this and then looked it up, so for any of you who want to know what the scoop is:
The U. S. Flag code states that people should stand with their right hand over their heart when then anthem is being played - if there is an American flag present. However, the custom is now considered outdated, especially since it also references other items no longer used, and modern custom does not require it. Or at least that's according to the place where the original manuscript of the Star Spangled Banner is held.
I was right, though, and there is an expectation that the right hand is held over the heart during the Pledge of Allegiance.
I guess at some fairly recent event, there was a big deal made over the fact one of the presidential candidates did not have his hand over his heart while the anthem was being played, so I found this information on Snopes, where they, naturally, told us how it is! Oh, and that particular person was taught the same thing I was - hand over the heart during the Pledge, quiet respect during the Anthem.
Edit: So I posted this and then looked it up, so for any of you who want to know what the scoop is:
The U. S. Flag code states that people should stand with their right hand over their heart when then anthem is being played - if there is an American flag present. However, the custom is now considered outdated, especially since it also references other items no longer used, and modern custom does not require it. Or at least that's according to the place where the original manuscript of the Star Spangled Banner is held.
I was right, though, and there is an expectation that the right hand is held over the heart during the Pledge of Allegiance.
I guess at some fairly recent event, there was a big deal made over the fact one of the presidential candidates did not have his hand over his heart while the anthem was being played, so I found this information on Snopes, where they, naturally, told us how it is! Oh, and that particular person was taught the same thing I was - hand over the heart during the Pledge, quiet respect during the Anthem.