National Anthem?

Question

The National Anthem is played at a lot of different public functions. I always stop what I'm doing, stand up (if i'm sitting:)), place my hand over my heart and face the flag or wherever the music is coming from. It's what my parents told me was appropriate when I was growing up. And I'd have to say I agree. Yeah, people may not be happy with polititians or what the government is doing, but where are American's sense of pride? I look around and a lot of people keep there seats, or worse, talk through the whole thing. We've had many generations go before us for the very freedom to do that. Ok, National anthem is being played . . . . . what do you do, and why? ( I know some people are going to go country bashing with this.)

Yeah, being a Marine's wife kind of helps me in the area of patriotism! ;)

Answer 1

I put my hand over my heart, take off my hat (if im wearing one), and face the flag. It represents blood sweat tears and lives lost for this country and it deserves our respect. I was raised in a military family so I support our troops every chance I get!

Answer 2

I don't hear it played much, I'm out of the country. I miss hearing it before a football game like I did in high school.

I usually stand for just about any national song. I think it can be abused though, (on very rare occasions) some people try to use it as a political tool.

I didn't always say pledge of allegiance when I was younger. When I was forced to, I refused. I felt it was a contradiction. I like to if I have the freedom to, but I value my freedom more than the symbols of it.

I would not salute a singing flag toy though, some things are just ridiculous. People are not made for nations, nations are made for people.

Answer 3

Any decent American will show respect to those who died in order for them to be able to even have the opportunity to sing a national anthem and stand, take their hat off and place their hand over their heart. That's how I was raised, and it's sad that there are people who say things like "it's a free country, so people can do what they want". This is true, but that isn't showing much pride or respect for people that have died for you in order for you to live in the greatest country this planet has ever seen!

Answer 4

You do the right thing. I don't know about you but I get a lump in my throat every time I hear our national anthum. Males should always remove their caps or hats while females can keep them on. It is always refreshing to see a woman remove her cap too at a ball game for the national anthum. I have even seen people in wheel chairs struggle but stand for that song. It means so much to us.

Yes, we have our differences. On this board we battle con and lib etc. but if the chips are down we'll all stand together.

When others choose not to respect the flag and what it stands for the only thing you can do is ignore them. They have as might right to ignore it as we do to love and salute it. That's what makes this a great country.

Answer 5

It's always a difficult decision for me. I do stand out of respect, but I hate the song. Our national anthem is one of very few that celebrate war.

It wasn't the national anthem until 1931. There was some discussion of having "America the Beautiful," which I would much prefer.

Answer 6

I recently read a story of a parade passing with the American flag flying in front. Lots of people stood around joking and grab butting. There was a vet (wearing his VFW hat) sitting in a wheel chair. He struggled to stand and SALUTED as the AMERICAN flag passed by. I too often see people not giving the American flag the respect it deserves. Too much POLITICAL CORRECTNESS going on (GAGGG). Kids don't have to stand and say the pledge anymore (it might offend someone) in school. In the children's ministry I spent 10 years with, one of the things we do during the opening ceremony is the Pledge of Allegiance. It helps instill American pride. I've seen several of our leaders in AWANA get bleary eyes when we do that. I, too get a lump in my throat and my eyes leak and have a hard time singing the National Anthem. It is NOT too hard to sing if you don't try to get all fancy and show off singing it.
(USN/proud patriot/retired)

Answer 7

Oh say are you able to confirm via the dawns early mild what so proudly we hail on the twilight's final glowing who's vast stripes and colourful stars in the process the perilous combat or the ramparts we watched have been so gallantly streaming and the rocket's crimson glare the bombs bursting in air gave evidence in the process the night that our flag replaced into nevertheless there O say does that megastar spangled banner yet wave over the land of the unfastened and the abode of the brave

Answer 8

Not during, but immediately after I have paid my respects, I will definitely (through 'the look') let those people know what I think of them. If a local event I am also inclined to write a Letter to the Editor about it. I will always do as you do, including standing (and telling my kids to stand) whenever any American flag passes by in a parade of any sort. Additionally you will NEVER NEVER find me NOT saying the words .....under God.... Those words will always leave my mouth during the pledge of allegiance.

Answer 9

you're right. every person is entitled to his or her own opinion, but if we're Americans, we should honor and respect the flag and the national anthem. i get ticked off when people sit down at the word 'brave' even though the song is not over.

Answer 10

Some people are just ungrateful and act "too busy" to take a minute to respect our nation.

I get so ticked off when I'm on base and they play the national anthem and people just keep on driving. STOP YOU CAR. It's the least you can do. Grrr