National Anthem etiquette

[O'Callaghan]

I can only speak for myself.

When "The Star Spangled Banner" is played, I am always at attention, head cover removed, and facing the flag. I place my hand/hat over my heart. And I am likely to shed a tear or three. (The Corps training runs deep.)

It annoys me when others do not do so. I show a similar respect to "O Canada" (or other national anthems)
at the games sans hand over heart.

Saluting a passing flag by veterans is a fairly new practice, and I am a little uncomfortable saluting uncovered. (The Naval services do not salute when not wearing a hat, such as indoors unless under arms.) I am trying to get over it as I do love to salute the passing colors. In the US tradition, the US flag is never dipped for any reason. All other flags and banners are, but not the US flag, the stars and stripes.

Maybe those who don't place their hand over their heart are not US citizens. I'm not and I don't, even though I've lived in the US for many years. According to this thread that is correct, but I wouldn't anyway because it isn't something we do even for our own anthem. I stand for all national anthems, of course.