Hand over heart question

[Serial Mom]

Just in past few years, I have noticed that people put their hand over their heart while singing the national anthem. I saw dubya and pickles (yuck) doing it yesterday while standing with the queen. It looks ridiculous!

From what I remember while growing up (I have hit the half century mark), we did that only when we said the Pledge of Allegiance, never when singing the anthem.

When did this start? I don't do it (like at baseball games and such) - am I wrong?

[SCDem]

1. I have thought of the same thing

It was always your arms down and hands together either in front or in back of you (I forgot which). At least this is what I remember growing up.

[La_Serpiente]

2. NO

It is traditionally used for only the Pledge. I guess people do it because they want to display in thier own special way their alleigance to this nation. Now, you don't have to do it to show your patriotism. I think it is just an added gesture.

[Drifter]

4. When I was a young boy ...

playing baseball, I remember that we would take off out hats, and put them over our hearts during the anthem. Our coach (one in patricular) made sure that we knew how important it was to be at our best behavior (respectful during the anthem).

This had an impact on me.

Cheers
Drifter

[Serial Mom]

6. I remember that for boys/men with caps/hats

especially athletes, but I don't ever remember somebody without a hat holding their hand over their heart.

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

3. Noticed the same within the last couple of years

Although I have always noticed that it was more veterans who put their hand over their heart and sung than non-veterans .

[Nadienne]

5. I have also noticed this

And agree that it must be optional. I don't see everyone doing it. For the chimp, it's probably as sincere as anything else he says and does in public.

[hussar]

7. They looked like someone from a different planet

or Star Trek to me

[Jokerman]

8. Always taught to put my hand over my heart for the anthem.

If I was wearing a hat I was supposed remove it and hold the hat over my heart. This came from my mom, a god-fearing, patriotic, liberal to the end.

[MissMillie]

9. I always put my hand over my heart for the anthem

and I sing along too.

[Superfly]

10. When in uniform, salute

when not in uniform, hand over the heart (removing hats).

One thing I cannot stand and drives me bonkers is when people do not remove their hats for the anthem.

[bif]

11. It makes a better photo-op

n/t

[zbdent]

12. check out the next kid the freepers will be crediting to Daschle

or calling one of us.

From the Akron Beacon Journal photo pages:



Of course, it would have to be the one at the front and center.

If this kid turns out to be a freeper's kid - BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[BiggJawn]

13. No, for once, the "(general)Dynamic(s) Duo" are correct.

Men, remove your hat and either drop it or hold it over your heart (That includes that backwards "crips" cap you spent 20 minutes futzing wioth B4 you went out!). Ladies, keep your hat on, just hold your hand over your heart. People in uniform, render a military salute.

And you face the flag while the Anthem is played. singing is optional.

[alwynsw]

14. I didn't look it up

but there is a protocol office that determines these things. They do change from time to time. I was taught to place my hand over my heart for both the anthem and the pledge.

Footnote: once upon a time, Shirley Temple Black was the chief of protocol.

[ChoralScholar]

15. I always thought

(although I have nothing to back it up)

that your hand should be over your heart only if there is a flag present. I was under the impression that it was somewhat of a 'civilian salute' while saying the POA or singing the National Anthem.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

16. There should always be a flag present when playing

the National Anthem.