I noticed tonight while watching the Spurs vs. Cavaliers that none of the players put their hand over their heart when the Star Spangled Banner was sung. There was a color guard present presenting the flags and I was upset to see them stand there with their hands clasped behind their backs and not one player with a hand over their heart! What is proper etiquette?

Marilyn in Texas

[american_flag_uk]

the proper etiquette is to have right hand placed over the heart. you are correct. i cant understand why they either wont or not allowed to show proper etiquette...especiallywhen a flag is there. its ludicrus

[Peter Ansoff]

Here is the actual language from the US Code (Title 36 301):

. . . During a rendition of the national anthem

(1) when the flag is displayed—

(A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;
(B) men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(C) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; 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.

Peter Ansoff

[Peter Ansoff]

(C) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem

It's reasonably clear that the reference to "individuals in uniform" in this USC passage was intended to refer to military personnel. A question that comes up from time to time is whether or not it also applies to non-military personnel who wear uniforms in the course of their actvities. Taken to the extreme, this could include not only police officers and firefighters, but non-officials such as members of marching bands, football players, UPS delivery personnel and fast-food restaurant workers. Another, separate category consists of members of scouting organizations, which are non-military but often use military protocol.

My thought is that the discrimant should be whether or not the uniformed individual customarily renders salutes as part of his/her normal activities. For example, is it customary for police officers to salute superiors when reporting to them? If so, then they should follow the military form of salute to the flag and national anthem; if not, they should follow the civilian form.

This rule of thumb would mean that most non-official personnel (except for scouts, maybe) should use the civilian salute. However, I suspect that not all police departments, for example, have a consistent policy with respect to salutes. This could lead to an awkward situation at a gathering of officers from different departments -- some might salute one way and some the other.

Any thoughts, especially from all the uniformed workers out there?

Peter Ansoff

As a former member of the US Navy, I must say that a military salute is one of the most beautiful and moving things to seen when the Star Spangled Banner is played or when the National Ensign passes though far from overshadowed by the "elderly gentleman" (presumed former military) who pushed himself to a standing position and renders hand salute to our National Ensign as she passes in review.
Many who do not (or have never) worn the uniform of our military are in a position to be included in the ranks of those who render hand salute. I am also in the Emergency Services field and, unfortunately, have had the occasion to attend a funeral for one or more of our "brothers". Yes, we too render hand salute at appropriate times. It is not inappropriate for us to do so.
As far as various departments having different methods, I really think it would be best if we checked our statistics on that one. I believe that most (if not all) have about the same policy as the others for this. I don't recall nor can I think of an instance where a Law Enforcement officer or Fire Official did not render hand salute when warranted.
I was in scouting as a child and we did use a modified hand salute.
I must ask, is this really the MAJOR issue or is it more important that proper honors be afforded our wonder Star Spangled Banner and National Ensign as well as our honored dead? - I for one do not think the method of salute is as important as the honor afforded. I do however, believe that no one should render hand salute unless properly covered at the time. Nor do I believe that a female should remove her head covering just because it is not of a "uniform issue" as should a male in these instances, just as in the case of an invocation or benediction.

[Peter Ansoff]

Greetings, HM2!

The reason for my post about the civillian salutes was that there are a lot of questions in this forum about things like that, including some from police officers, firefighters, etc. I agree with your last point -- the real issue is showing appropriate respect for the flag and what it stands for, not following arbitrary rules.

Peter Ansoff
(Also ex-USN)