What is the proper etiquette to show respect for the flag?

[Formaldehyde]

No, I dont presume to know what is correct for other countries, the US Code only applies to, well, the USA.

It appears that most of the people who just stand there are indeed US citizens, but go ahead and try to spin it since that's what you are obviously going to do anyway. And speaking of which:

The way I look at the poll is only 39 percent show no respect at all.

Weren't you just trying to claim there was only one way for civilians to properly show respect during the national anthem, and just standing there wasn't it? Hmmm.

And they all appear to be foreigners who selected the last category. Imagine that. People who don't have any nationalism towards the US not caring one way or the other. Who would have thought? And didn't you just post:

No, I dont presume to know what is correct for other countries, the US Code only applies to, well, the USA.

Oops.

Like I said, thats actually pretty encouraging for around here..

Like I said, you are going to try to spin it anyway.

In some cases, absolutely, but in others, where the is indeed a proscribed etiquette, not so much.

I don't think you know what proscribed means.

As long as you recognize your're not the sole arbiter of silly thats ok.

No, that is clearly your realm. This thread is an excellent example.

 

[warpus]

Lots of non-americans here in the OT. I wouldnt want to exclude them, and am actually pretty happy with the poll. It seems most people do indeed show at least some type of respect to their flag. Thats refreshing actually.

Standing up during the anthem and/or doing the hand-over-heart thing doesn't say anything about showing respect towards the flag.

Also, you did not answer my question about the implications of this U.S. code, what it's used for, if it's the law - why is it not enforced?, etc.

 

[Formaldehyde]

You are right. It just shows a subservience to a bunch of reactionary Congressmen who tried to ban flag burning yet again last year, but settled for a slight change in the etiquette instead once they were duly informed of how unconstitutional they were trying to be.

 

[Orange Seeds]

There really is no protocol for flags in Canada, but if you don't sing during the anthem then i give you a scornful deriding look.

The only place i hear the anthem anymore is at hockey games and Remembrance day ceremonies. Both of which i dutifully sing along to in my abysmal tone-deaf voice. And no, Americans don't sing their anthem they just hum along. I've been to hundreds of hockey games and sat beside dozens of away-team supporters to attest to this.

 

[Formaldehyde]

Some of us sing when we get drunk enough. But usually I am too interested in hearing the singer screw the pooch by forgetting the words or turning the melody into something different.

 

[RalofTyr]

Use the flag as a diaper.

Thanks Larry Flint.

 

[a_propagandist]

You know, I love the flag. It's fricking beautiful. This country has some many problems, but I love her still (though we should go tough-love and focus on the problems to all you parental-love conservatives who would rather remain blind). Hell, I love the look, the history, and the pride of many nations and flags. What I love of this country, what I love more than the flag is the ideal that people shouldn't give you bull for most of your choices. (Side-jab: And when did all the CSA flag-toting conservatives suddenly get all self-righteous about respecting the flag?)

 

[Arwon]

I can't recall ever hearing the national anthem in the presence of a flag. I generally stand up and mumble the words to the anthem, but none of this hand on hearts thing.

If we get a new non-monarchical flag when we become a republic, that'll make me respect it more.

 

[Lord Gay]

why don't Americans typically sing along with their anthem?

We pay somebody to do it for us.

 

[MobBoss]

Weren't you just trying to claim there was only one way for civilians to properly show respect during the national anthem, and just standing there wasn't it? Hmmm.

First of all, I dont speak for non-us people. If its custom in Canada for instance, to only stand for the anthem, then more power to them. However, for US citizens there is indeed a correct way to do it, and that way is proscribed by US Code.

Not sure why you have so much trouble with that.

And they all appear to be foreigners who selected the last category. Imagine that. People who don't have any nationalism towards the US not caring one way or the other.

Nationalism toward the USA isnt a part of the poll and the poll was inteded to be for any nationality. My, we are being quite obtuse for a Thursday, arent we.


Who would have thought? And didn't you just post:

Oops.

What was incorrect about my comment? Did I mispell something, hence your 'oops'?

Like I said, you are going to try to spin it anyway.

I am not spinning anything here...just simply being factual. Besides, considering your post style, isnt you saying I spin stuff like the pot calling the kettle black?

I don't think you know what proscribed means.

Entirely correct, I meant prescribed, not proscribed. Thanks.

And now feel free to admit that your urban myth of me never admitting I wrong is indeed false.

No, that is clearly your realm. This thread is an excellent example.

Actually, this thread has had some good discussion, and a good amount of posts and views. Not silly at all.

Standing up during the anthem and/or doing the hand-over-heart thing doesn't say anything about showing respect towards the flag.

I think it does. Or at least it does in comparison to not doing anything at all.

Standing up is generally a sign of respect, and the hand over heart indeed is.

Also, you did not answer my question about the implications of this U.S. code, what it's used for, if it's the law - why is it not enforced?, etc.

I thought someone already did mention that it was advisory only...

 

[nc-1701]

I always stand erect and face the flag for the anthem, but I found the hand over the heart thing extreme and don't do it. While I don't mind standing for the national anthem, I would never recite the pledge of allegiance its just way to much. Respect I'm totally fine with, but the more extreme stuff is just stupid imo.

 

[Arwon]

We pay somebody to do it for us.

And it's an unsingable hymn of explosions and defeat!

 

[MagisterCultuum]

I care much more for the 1st amendment that flag etiquette.


I would generally stand if in a public place, and maybe place my hand on my heart but it tend to go on too long so my arm would get tired and I'd drop it eventually anyway. The hand part is really just if most people around me are doing it. I'm not a fan of hand motions in general. Apart from unconscious gesticulation while talking, I find them really awkward.



I don't think that Congress should have the right to waste their time and tax payer money passing any non-binding legislation. All acts of congress but fall within the limits of the authority granted by the constitution.



Those who are most adamant about honoring the flag (and passing constitutional amendments to make the flag code legally binding) do seem awfully close to treating it as an idol, although I wouldn't say most people who prefer it be treated respectfully but don't try to make this view legally binding go that far.



I believe I've heard that the world's largest flag-making factory is in my home town of Tucker, GA. I'm not sure where in town though.




If I recall correctly, research into my family tree has shown that both of my father's parents are descendants of Francis Scott Key, the man who wrote the national anthem. Or maybe it was from his brother?




I find the way the national anthem is generally performed rather disrespectful. Singers are usually trying to show off their vocal skills and so embellish it to the point that they ruin the melody. I prefer it be sung plainly, at at a somewhat faster tempo than usual. I also prefer it be sung in full, with all 4 verses.

 

[Adria]

There really is no protocol for flags in Canada, but if you don't sing during the anthem then i give you a scornful deriding look.

The only place i hear the anthem anymore is at hockey games and Remembrance day ceremonies. Both of which i dutifully sing along to in my abysmal tone-deaf voice. And no, Americans don't sing their anthem they just hum along. I've been to hundreds of hockey games and sat beside dozens of away-team supporters to attest to this.

Nothing like The Garage during the playoffs!

There are a couple American rinks where fans sing along, but not many. I think it was Chicago that sounded pretty good this past playoffs. But it is rare. I still think it was pretty awesome when the Oiler fans sang the American anthem in response to the 'Canes fans booing the Canadian anthem a few years back.


For the record, I haven't actually voted. "I stand up, but that's it" doesn't quite cover standing up, removing a hat if present, and singing along.

 

[CaptainF]

Why not?

It just seems tacky, and a wee bit too militaristic for my liking.

When I stand for the national anthem, which isn't often, I usually just have my hands behind my back or folded in front. I never stand or in any way acknowledge the pledge of allegiance, because it sucks.

 

[Lord Gay]

And it's an unsingable hymn of explosions and defeat!

Oh, you heard the Rosanne Barr version too?

 

[Orange Seeds]

Nothing like The Garage during the playoffs!

There are a couple American rinks where fans sing along, but not many. I think it was Chicago that sounded pretty good this past playoffs. But it is rare. I still think it was pretty awesome when the Oiler fans sang the American anthem in response to the 'Canes fans booing the Canadian anthem a few years back.


For the record, I haven't actually voted. "I stand up, but that's it" doesn't quite cover standing up, removing a hat if present, and singing along.

maybe, just maybe i 'inherit' seasons tickets
maybe, just maybe i go to nearly every play-off game
maybe, just maybe I've been at some of the most infamous games of the last decade
Yes i will be at training camp this week as its at UBC so i can go between classes!

the best fan i ever sat beside was an Oilers fan, the worst was a Calgary fan...
but they all sing along; which i find much more fun than putting one's hand over one's heart.

 

[Gustave5436]

Respect the flag by making use of your 1st amendment rights to act in whatever manner you wish. If the US stands for liberty, then it is that ideal which should be respected, not a bit of cloth which represents the federal government.

 

[MobBoss]

Respect the flag by making use of your 1st amendment rights to act in whatever manner you wish. If the US stands for liberty, then it is that ideal which should be respected, not a bit of cloth which represents the federal government.

If the US stands for liberty, then the flag stands for liberty as well. The flag symbolizes that ideal. As I said before, the flag stands for much, much more than whichever party happens to currently be in power. It stands for all that the country is supposed to stand for and the sacrifices of those all thoughout the nations history.

 

[JollyRoger]

If the flag symbolizes liberty, what does the flag code symbolize?