I agree with Walt.....I only stand for National Anthem. God Bless the USA is OK but it's NOT the Star Spangled Banner!

Standing and placing one's hand over his/her heart ( or salute) when the Star Spangled Banner (National Anthem) is played demonstrates respect for this nation and those who gave blood and treasure to defend it. Songs such as America the Beautiful ,etc should also be given respect, the manner in which is going to be different and personal for each of us.

Love of country and respect demonstrates gratitude and appreciation for a nation that allows freedoms many people around the world only dream of but will never realize. Its why celebrities who show an open disdain for this nation and who received more than their deserved share of its blessings is ironic and a mystery to me

I am kind of puzzled by all this, to be honest. As a kid at school, I was taught to stand at attention for the Star Spangled Banner, and to stand with my hand over my heart for the Pledge of Allegiance. It was explained to me that the hand over the heart was because it was a pledge.

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The Law
 

Federal Law describes proper behavior during the playing of our National Anthem. Note that there is no penalty in the law for failing to behave as the law describes. No other "patriotic song" is covered by federal law.

36 U.S. Code § 301 - National anthem

Current through Pub. L. 114-38. (See Public Laws for the current Congress.)

(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) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; 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.

I would stand for any countries National Anthem, but not for patriotic songs.
They will be standing for Springsteens, Born in the USA next.

????

I've come across articles were schools have made policy to eliminate the Pledge of Allegiance ..sad sad sad

Funny you would ask this question as yesterday in Church the entire congregation stood to sing America. I sometimes wonder if people don't get confused as to which song is REALLY our National Anthem and what the protocol should be followed.

Standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem is a time honored tradition in the United States. It shows respect and love for our nation and for what it stands. I always do it, and will always do it with joy and deep appreciation for this country. (At least for as long as I am physically able to stand.)

But...........America is not about songs, and pledges, and patriotic symbolism. America is about FREEDOM, and OPPORTUNITY, and DIVERSITY. I will always stand because I want to, but I will always respect the right of others to choose differently. Choosing differently is refusing to sit in the back of the bus, refusing to leave the lunch counter, refusing to pay the King's tax on tea, demanding the vote for women, and striking for a fair living wage.

I don't particularly like what Kaepernick is doing, but I defend his right to do it, and deplore any suggestion that he should be punished for doing it.

OhioBuckeye
 

Well I think the National Anthem is one you should always stand to show your respect to our country & to our kids that serve to keep our freedom. Most of the others if one person stands, usually everyone else will stand too, just so they're not the only one still sitting. I saw a picture one time where there was a parade going by & there was hundreds of people watching a military group go by & the quote on the picture was,"Notice who's the only one standing, the guy in the wheelchair". Everybody else was still sitting!

As a Canadian, married to an American, I feel we have been born to something that many in the word will be denied. I will always happily and proudly stand alongside my American husband and friends when the anthem is played and if other songs make people feel patriotic and happy, I will stand with them as well but I respect the right of others to remain seated.

In my opinion, you either believe in the many freedoms granted in the U.S.A. or you don't. Cherry picking your favourite aspect of freedom doesn't seem to match up with the ideals.

Well stated...and dead on! :thumbup:

It is his absolute right to sit through the anthem. If his employer doesn't have a policy against it, his job shouldn't be in jeopardy over it. But perception is reality. It is also the fans right to weigh in. Ask the Dixie Chicks about the stupid remark they made in London about President Bush. Their fans stopped buying their records, the fans stopped buying concert tickets. And their careers went down the toilet. If fans stop buying tickets for 49er's games, it is their choice. The reality is that celebrities who count on the public to support their careers have an obligation to those fans. The smart ones remain neutral on social and political issues.

Colin Kaepernick jersey sales soar in week since protest - NY Daily News

:shrug:

The latest news on this topic this morning from the POTUS...makes me very sad and upset.

Disrespecting the National Anthem is not a choice most of us would make to get our values and our point across.