Posted on 06/17/2006 7:32:20 AM PDT by Millicent_Hornswaggle
I hope you don't mind if I state my take on this.
I noticed a long time ago that lack of respect had set in at public events like football and baseball. People don't sing the anthem, many don't even know the words anymore.
I noticed also that respect for taking care of the flag had gone the same way.
So had respect for our country, for religion, for the military, and for other people in general.
I was never in the military, but I was in Scouting, and became an Eagle Scout (boy, that was a long time ago).
So, I am putting forth these remarks as I believe it fits the military as well as Scouting.
When in uniform, we saluted during the Pledge of Allegiance.
Same for the National Anthem. Hats stayed on. (I guess because it was part of the uniform)
When in civilian clothes, for the Pledge and the Anthem, hats off, hand over heart, or salute.
We were PROUD to give the salute, as it indicated we were more than civilians, just like the military.
As I got older, I just took any hat off, and put my hand over my heart. Traditions like this were made fun of by those who thought it was 'cool' to make fun of them.
Truth is, they were actually jealous. But none of them would ever admit that. I don't even think they realize that is why they do it.
That is why kids in school make fun of other kids. We don't figure that out until too late.
Here is the bottom line, and one that every person should think of when deciding how to handle this.
No one ever forced me, or told me I would be punished if I did not do these things.
I did them because I was proud of Scouting, proud of my country, and proud of myself.
When I go to an event and I see people not showing respect for the anthem or pledge or flag, It tells me they have no respect for their country, nor themselves.
So, do what you like, there is no law for or against it.
But this is the real meaning of the adage, "Pride goeth before a fall".
In the years after WWII if anyone did not respect the flag during the national anthem there were multitudes of vets that would see that anyone chewing gum, talking or walking WOULD respect the flag. It is sad to see so many people fail to respect the flag. It is still a small number, but it illustrates just how many persons aren't proud of their flag and country.
It's also not "HAND the rocket's red glare..." although that may just be almost required of a singer to be able to really belt out that part.
Sometimes you can hear the track announcer at NASCAR races say "ladies and gentlemen, please stand and remove your hats for the invocation and National anthem."
Guess you gotta train 'em.
Long read...
Lost me here: "Never served?"
Not productive to any argument...
lets see...playing a game of baseball with the potential to make 1, 2, 3, 4 or more million dollars and get treated very very well...or work 8-5p and wonder if your boss will be a prick today...hmmm..which do you choose?
bump , A little long but worth the read !
During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.
As of a recent change, it is proper to (in and out of uniform) place ones right hand over ones heart. Top C
Ex Marines should place his hand where ever anyone tells him to. Former Marines are recognisable during the Anthem by their correct position at attention.
When the Flag passes or is being pledged, the hand is over the heart.
When uniformed Marines enter a building, they remove their covers and do not salute or return salutes. USMC HQ types are trying to PC please their way to the top, Murtha style.
Semper Fi
It's not?
I suspect it is something similar to the reason you make comments like this.
But they should certainly stand respectfully.
-ccm
Well there it is...the USCode does suggest that we put our hands over our heart. Odd as it may be, there it is.
It does seem to me that Congress could spend better time fighting illegal immigration or the WOT than dictating how we show respect for the National Anthem.
But then again....I am just a civilian.
Not a game.
No one did anything about the Justices who did that either.
You and I can do the math, but I doubt the ballplayers can.
Sorry if you took what I said as an insult but I'd do it again in a sec if I knew you were on the other end of the comment.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.