I am actually shocked at how many people on here aren't offended when people don't show respect when our National Anthem is played. I wasn't posting to discuss when and where it should be played, as that is a completely different topic.
I served too (Marine Corps), and I say that to say that I don't speak for anyone and everyone who served. I can only speak for myself. But I do reserve that right as a veteran (to speak for myself). And I say it doesn't bother me that people don't place their hand over their hearts. Hell its enough to me that they stood up. Not like they're on YouTube stomping on the flag. OP I say take a deep breath and have a bud lite. C P.S. I served so people wouldn't have to do what the government and military told them they had to do.
Are you going to adopt the rest of the flag code as well? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code
Well, at least everyone stops in their tracks, claps their hands and sings "Deep in the Heart of Texas" Whenever required <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZJEwrw4VEls?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Ha!!! Just at Rockets games, lol? I cheer and yell Rockets everytime I hear the anthem during that part !!!!
context matters people feel like the anthem is being unnecessarily over played at sports events that it has lost its meanings and whatnot. I bet a lot of people don't care much about it anymore, and there's nothing to be upset about really. Some people love the patriotic stuff, some people couldn't care less, especially at something casual like a sports event. Why do you care so much about the hand over the hand gesture anyway, there's no absolute right way to act when the anthem is playing. People can respect it without doing that specific gesture you know.
I'm disturbed that a former member of our military thinks The People should show respect to the country when it should absolutely be the other way around.
I don't understand why showing respect means having to put your hand over your chest. So long as they are standing and remaining silent during the song, isn't that enough?
I thought hand over the heart was only for the pledge of allegiance and wasn't necessary for the national anthem? Either way, I don't like it during sporting events. Takes up too much time.
It is a United States code of conduct. <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/36/subtitle-I/part-A/chapter-3">United States Code, 36 U.S.C. § 301</a>, states that during a 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; Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present and not in uniform may render the military salute; 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 individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and 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. Military law requires all vehicles on the installation to stop when the song is played and all individuals outside to stand at attention and face the direction of the music and either salute, in uniform, or place the right hand over the heart, if out of uniform. Recently enacted law in 2008 allows military veterans to salute out of uniform, as well.[41][42] However, this statutory suggestion does not have any penalty associated with violations. 36 U.S.C. § 301 This behavioral requirement for the national anthem is subject to the same First Amendment controversies that surround the Pledge of Allegiance.[43] For example, Jehovah's Witnesses do not sing the national anthem, though they are taught that standing is an "ethical decision" that individual believers must make based on their "conscience."[44][45][46]
Exactly. Those players have stood through hundreds of renditions of the national anthem. Everyone of them are zoned out from boredom. It is important at Presidential inaugurations, not so much at sporting events.
I actually wish we would stop dong the national anthem at every game. I love America as much as the next person, but we don't do it at movie theaters, plays, or all other entertaining events. Why sporting events? It loses its meaning too when it becomes so trite.
Those poor poor athletes. How dare the NBA bore them by playing the National Anthem. Maybe they should talk to their union about it.
I appreciate your service in protecting our country from external harm. However, there is a lot of irony this statement.
I wish they stopped doing the anthem at sporting events, waste of time. What the fack does it have to do with a silly game anyway?!?!