[redwitch]

I have rarely touched my daughter as a punishment. However, we were at a ballgame and she (1) didn't stand as the national anthem was being played and got a thump on the head by me, (2) then she didn't remove her cap and it was grabbed and stuffed in my bag. There was a rather spirited discussion about proper demeanor after the game started. There was a much gentler and more involved discussion about why you behave in this manner when the anthem is played. I will say she has always stood, removed her cap and had her hand on her heart when the anthem was played from that time forward. It really isn't that hard to teach your child. And reminders by announcers certainly wouldn't hurt.

I have spoken up when people talked, etc. during the anthem. I simply tell them that considering many died so that we could hear that anthem and see that flag, the least they could do is stand quietly. That reminder has worked the majority of the time.

It really upsets me to see athletes be disrespectful when the anthem is played and the flag is raised -- they are role models and should act accordingly. I still remember when Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised a fist at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. It hurt to see it (even though I do have to give them credit that they did stand with bowed heads and did not talk or squirm as the anthem was played).