2007-08-16 03:29:52 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I think if you are in America, it would be a nice gesture of respect.
2007-08-16 03:33:15 · answer #1 · answered by Diane 2 · 5⤊ 4⤋
We only put our hand over our heart when saying the Pledge of Allegiance. We stand for the National Anthem. You have these two confused. If you are not a citizen you should not put your hand over your heart or even participate unless you plan on becoming a citizen one day. You would be in effect committing treason against your home country. Listen to the words. You cannot have allegiance to more than one country. I think this would be very disrespectful. If you wish to participate by standing during the National Anthem, this would be fine and would show respect for the country where you are visiting or plan to live.
EDIT
I am just curious why I was given 2 thumbs down for being one of the few people to give accurate advice. For the National Anthem we only stand and remove our hats and anyone can participate. For the Pledge of Allegiance we stand and cross our heart as we recite the words. Unless you are a citizen you do not participate in this. I am not sure how much clearer I can be. Damn, people if you are going to live here, at least know your people's traditions!!! If someone that is a citizen of a country other than the United States recites the Pledge of Allegiance they might as well be committing treason because they are promising to put the USA before their own country. Do you understand what allegiance means?
/rant off
2007-08-16 10:45:43 · answer #2 · answered by Danny 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You should stand quietly. That's what I do at hockey and baseball games when a Canadian team is in town and their anthem is played. If you are wearing a hat, you are supposed remove it.
But you don't need to put your hand over your heart. I do that, but it's pretty unusual for Americans over elementary school age to do that. Not all patriotic Americans put their hands over their hearts. One of my cousins is a former Marine; during the national anthem (even when it's played on TV!) he stands at attention with his hands by his sides.
2007-08-16 10:40:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO.
From Title 4 United States Code Section 9 (4 USC 9)
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Aliens should stand at attention. The salute to the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.
2007-08-18 16:01:15 · answer #4 · answered by Jim E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your not a citizen, then you do not have to put your hand over your heart, but out of respect, you should take your hat off, if you are wearing one, and stand silently, until the anthem is finished playing.
If you are a citizen, then you should take your hat off, if you are wearing one, stand and place your right hand across your chest.
If you are walking about, stop, and render the proper gesture for the anthem.
2007-08-16 10:44:33 · answer #5 · answered by George P 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When in Rome........
I would stand out of respect and remove a hat or bandana out of respect. You came here for a good reason or you wouldn't be here rather it be on vacation, school, or work. When I visit other countries and their national anthem is played I always stand out of respect but I do not salute or put my hand over my heart because my heart belongs to my country.
Do to the immigration struggle, if you are here legally or illegally and you are aspiring to be a legal resident or citizen then that means you are pledging your fidelity to the country you have decided to become a part of and you would definately want to have other American citizens see you with your hand over your heart. Since I do not know your reasons for being here and your circumstances I would follow these guidelines to make your personal decision.
Bienvenidos!
2007-08-16 10:40:42 · answer #6 · answered by Karma of the Poodle 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The international etiquette is to stand for anyone's national anthem (when it is being played at some sort of event). You do not need to put your hand over your heart at that is a local custom which you might very well not know about, and every country has their little habits; you can't be expected to know all of them. However, since you DO know about it, you may do so, but it is not necessary.
2007-08-16 10:34:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
If you're not an American citizen I wouldn't think so, but it would still be respectful to stand and not be wearing a hat. Thank you for being considerate.
2007-08-16 11:27:49 · answer #8 · answered by suzi q 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As American yes you should do so.
As not an American, you do not have to salute the Flag, but stand still and not talk or move about is rather good to do.
Be prepared to explain your actions to the dunderheads whom don't get it, and always go with friends. Good luck to you...
2007-08-16 10:39:34 · answer #9 · answered by flowerpet56 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Only if you want to, but if you are in America, it would show respect to this nation if you do.
2007-08-16 10:41:01 · answer #10 · answered by GiGi! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to. You could just stand up.
Some people may find it an act of respect, however others might find it offencive, as you are not American.
2007-08-16 10:35:45 · answer #11 · answered by sw_1304 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋