Singing The National Anthem

[Richard in Smithville]

When you go to an event where the anthem is played, do you sing along?

Because a lot of the sports that I watch have both American and Canadian athletes, both anthems are played before the event starts. Also, because the head of the Royal Canadian Legion is Queen Elizabeth( and I attend official events there too), they sing the Canadian and the British anthems( God Save The Queen). I have found that I sing along with any of the three when played. This may not be any great feat but I imagine it's more than some can do....and that includes most people that I know.

[LCHIEN]

if I do, my wife gives me a dirty look, so I do it under my breath.

[Mr__Bill]

I believe that those who can should, those who can't should just lip sync.

[jcjrsmith]

In the US the law was changed in the last year or so that states that honorably discharged veterans and active duty military personnel in civilian clothes can either stand at attention with hand over heart during the National Anthem, or, if they prefer, reneder a hand salute to the colors. I like that, and I tend to do the latter.

[BerniePA]

In the US the law was changed in the last year or so that states that honorably discharged veterans and active duty military personnel in civilian clothes can either stand at attention with hand over heart during the National Anthem, or, if they prefer, reneder a hand salute to the colors. I like that, and I tend to do the latter.

I didn't know that!! Glad I checked in on this thread!

[Bruce Cohen]

Ditto for me, as Jerry said.

ALWAYS

Bruce

[jcjrsmith]

Oh well, rats!!!! It appears this bill passed the Senate but got hung up in comittee in the House last year. My mistake guys - the flag code has not been amended. I jumped the gun.

[massanutten]

Proud of it

After serving 21 years, I have my hand over my heart and sing loud and proud. Each time I do brings a tear to my eye because some made the ultimate sacrifice allowing the rest of us the right to sing (or unfortunately to burn the flag). I'll sing - even softly when most of the people won't as when they have a solo artist. I'm just proud of our Country!

It bothers me at HS games where kids wear their caps during the anthem - if one of them is in front of me, I quietly lean over and ask if they could please remove it just for the anthem, most do.

I also rise for respect to other countries anthem but don't sing, mostly because I don't know the words, otherwise I would.

At a parade, every time a flag passes by, I stand up and render a salute even in civilian clothes.


Congress doesn't have to pass a law in order to do what's right.

[Uncle Cracker]

I don't sing it. Worried about a stint in Leavenworth for abusing the National Anthem... (My singing sounds like somebody is neutering a cat.)

[Ed62]

I don't sing it. Worried about a stint in Leavenworth for abusing the National Anthem... (My singing sounds like somebody is neutering a cat.)

Ditto.

Ed

[massanutten]

So sad to read that many don't sing it when given an opportunity. It's a beautiful song about our history and our future. NO ONE cares how you sound.

[Tom Slick]

Keep in mind the Flag Code is not "law" but recommendations of flag etiquette.

I stand loosely at attention and sometimes cover my heart. I always remove my cap but I do not sing nor do I salute.

[Pappy]

I served our flag, and all she stands for, with pride for 21 years. I salute her and sing the anthem!

[Uncle Cracker]

NO ONE cares how you sound.

I care. It's a song that even good singers often make a mockery of. My not singing is not a sign of disrespect, any more than singing proves that one does respect. It's about the country, not the song. And I care very much about that. I stand at attention when the Anthem plays, and I show my respect in that fashion.

[dbhost]

I know I sound horrible, but I sing my favorite hymns, and my national anthem both for the same reason, profound gratitude.

Hopefully we the people don't dillute the reasons for that gratitude.