Recent high-profile sporting events left me wondering about the protocol for the National Anthem, like the one for the Pledge of Allegiance in the U.S. Flag Code.
The protocol for the Pledge of Allegiance is laid out in the Flag code Section 4
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”, should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute. (Italics are mine.)
The Search Begins
Easy enough, but what about protocol for the National Anthem? I began at Google and started searching and discovered a lot of information that couldn’t be verified. I kept digging.
I located one site that “claimed” to quote the U.S. Flag Code as found on the American Legion website. It contained a section that wasn’t in my copy of the U.S. Flag Code, so I went to the American Legion website to see which version of the Flag Code they were using. It turned out they are using the same one I am, and there is no reference to the National Anthem contained in the Flag Code.
I did find a section on the Legion site titled National Anthem and it did reference the U.S. Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Section 171 for the proper protocol. Then to confirm, I went to the U.S. Government site containing the United States Codes and dug into Title 36.
This brought up the next hurdle. There was no Chapter 10. WHAT?
More digging …
Eureka
EUREKA! The research paid off in a big way and here is what I located.
- TITLE 36–PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND ORGANIZATIONS
- SUBTITLE I–PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES AND CEREMONIES
- PART A–OBSERVANCES AND CEREMONIES
- CHAPTER 3–NATIONAL ANTHEM, MOTTO, FLORAL EMBLEM, AND MARCH
- Section 301–National Anthem
- CHAPTER 3–NATIONAL ANTHEM, MOTTO, FLORAL EMBLEM, AND MARCH
- PART A–OBSERVANCES AND CEREMONIES
- SUBTITLE I–PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES AND CEREMONIES
Sec. 301. National anthem
(a) Designation.–The composition consisting of the words and music
known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b) Conduct During Playing.–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.
There it is. The elusive National Anthem protocol. Now when you attend that next concert, ball game, or school event, you will know the proper conduct when they begin playing the Star Spangled Banner.
Rest of Chapter 3
Here is the rest of the information in this Chapter of the United States Code.
Sec. 302. National motto
“In God we trust” is the national motto.
Sec. 303. National floral emblem
The flower commonly known as the rose is the national floral emblem.
Sec. 304. National march
The composition by John Philip Sousa entitled “The Stars and Stripes Forever” is the national march.
The NY Islanders hockey team has been having kids sing God Bless America during one of the intermissions. They announce that the song is being played but people geenrally go about their business while it is being sung. Is this appropriate? Should the team be asking people to stand, etc?
Joe, I don’t know a lot about hockey, but I understand fans—and when the game stops, they want to get out of their seats, go to the restroom, and get more food and drinks. That 20 minute break was designed for the players, not the fans! I don’t know what management could do that would encourage the fans to stop and listen to the kid(s) singing. While God Bless America is one of this country’s favorite patriotic songs, it it not necessary for the audience to stand while it is being performed—that is an honor reserved for the National Anthem.
I just timed myself singing God Bless America, and including a pretend introduction—and it took well under two minutes. Maybe if one of the Islander players stood on center ice with a hand-held microphone and introduced the child and the song—and then stood there with the little singer—perhaps that would slow the fans down long enough to watch and listen.
You’re welcome to call the management with my idea! And thank you for writing Joe.
What is the protocol when the Star-Spangled banner is interwoven within another musical work? I recently heard a recording of a piece by Dudley Buck entitled, “Festival Overture on the National Air,” which was obviously based on what we know as the Star-Spangled Banner. I know that Buck passed away before the SSB was officially adopted as the National Anthem, and upon reading online, I’ve come to realize that there are a number of musical works which incorporate some of the strains of the SSB with different interpretations. Is it safe to say that unless the National Anthem is performed as the National Anthem, it’s not?
Christopher—I struggled with your question, wrote several responses and deleted them all. I agree—most cautiously—with your premise: Is it safe to say that unless the National Anthem is performed as the National Anthem, it’s not? But I want to enlarge upon it, so I have decided to write a new article for The Daily Flag, where I will explore your question at length. I probably won’t get it posted until next week, but your question about this particular bit of National Anthem protocol deserves a closer examination. In the meantime, can you provide me with more information about the Dudley Buck recording? I would like to listen to it myself. My email is deborah@flagsbay.com
Thank you for writing, Christopher.
When should the anthem be preformed? For more clarity, would it be appropriate at school board meetings or city council meetings? Or should it be reserved for events and special gatherings. We already preform the Pledge, followed by a moment of silence.
I attended a baseball game the other night at a sports complex. The national anthem was played at the beginning of the game. Everyone stood. In the middle of the 2nd inning, a softball game began on the adjacent field and the national anthem was played again. Baseball play was suspended and everyone turned and stood AGAIN to face the flag on the other field. Really? Is that necessary?
I see that question was aksed previously with no definitive answer. I thought if the anthem was already played once at the venue, it should not be played again for subsequent games. At least that’s the way it has been handled on other occasions at large gyms I’ve been too.
Robert—this is the question for which there is no definitive answer. All I can speak to is my own personal experience, which is: in smaller, more intimate settings—club meetings, Scout troop meetings, municipal gatherings, and et cetera—generally only the Pledge is recited. Of course the National Anthem could be sung, but not too many people have the poise to stand up and sing (much less conduct) the National Anthem a Capella.
In larger venues—sporting events, concerts, banquets, large company meetings, and et cetera, normally there will be musical accompaniment for the National Anthem. Certainly the National Anthem could be sung at a school board meeting, or the city council meetings, but the person in charge of the meeting would need to designate someone with a “leadership” voice to start the melody and lead the crowd in unison, or ask a soloist to sing.
I hope this helps, and thank you for writing. Best Wishes, Deborah
This is a problem without a good solution. Since these games are being played at a multi-field sports complex, playing the National Anthem one time should be sufficient, but the management of the sports complex needs to visit with the referees and coaches to determine the best time to do this.
Thank you for writing, Maria.
At a Cinco de Mayo celebration at my husband’s school, the Mexican national anthem was played, and the Mexican flag was saluted. Should the Star Spangled Banner and the Pledge of Allegiance have followed, or are we being too picky?
It is the practice of the U.S. State Department to recognize and honor the guests of foreign countries by presenting their flag and national anthem ahead of the U.S. flag and National Anthem. So it was acceptable for the Mexican flag and National Anthem to have been performed first. If there had been a half-dozen foreign countries recognized, they would have gone in alphabetical order (in the English language), and the American flag and national anthem still would have gone last.
But I don’t want to misunderstand what you wrote. If the American flag was not recognized with a salute, and if the American national anthem was not performed for this school event, then I would consider it a clear breach of customary and traditional protocol.
Americans do not salute a foreign flag—but stand quietly at attention for both flag and anthem—and a foreigner or alien would behave the same way during the American anthem. (This is sometimes an awkward problem for foreign athletes who play on American teams, who may feel it looks disrespectful to not salute when the Star-Spangled Banner is played—but their only obligation is to stand at attention.) Thank you for writing, Deborah Hendrick
I am a member of my local Civic Band. Yesterday, we played a Memorial Day ceremony for our American Legion. When we played the National Anthem, we remained seated. However, prior to that, when the colors were presented and posted, we were unsure as to whether or not we were supposed to stand. Some band members stood, others did not. What would be appropriate for this situation?
Don, I certainly believe it is appropriate for the band to stand as the colors are presented and posted. But it needs to be coordinated so the band members rise and sit again in unison, and are not straggling up and down. Perhaps one person can be in charge of quietly signaling the band to stand, and then to sit again. There may be veterans in the band who will want to salute the flag with a military salute, while others in the band can do a “heart” salute.
Normally the “Colors” are introduced by the Master of Ceremonies, so the entire gathering has time to stand. Salutes are rendered when the flag passes abreast of your position. For the band, this may not be as easy as it is for me to write. But in your town, you know the events and venues in which the band will be performing, so you can extrapolate and coordinate that knowledge as needed.
Thank you for writing, Don. Best Wishes, Deborah Hendrick
I thought that all individuals…male or female…. were to remove their hats, turn to the flag, and place their hand over their heart during the presentation of the Colors and/or the rendition of the National Anthem? Where is it written only males must remove their hats during this ceremony? This is a big controversy at the ball park!!!! I am a female, a proud veteran and am enthusiastic to remove my cap (if I have one on) anytime this important acknowledgement of our nation ia observed.
Thank you for writing, Tammie. You asked, “Where is it written only males must remove their hats during this ceremony?
The answer is found in the U.S. Code, under Title 36. Title 36 is often overlooked, because what is commonly called the “Flag Code” is found under Title 4.
Title 36, Chapter 3
Sec. 301. National anthem
(a) Designation.–The composition consisting of the words and music
known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b) Conduct During Playing.–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; [emphasis mine] 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.
The word “women” is not included in this sentence. Women have never been required to remove their hats during the National Anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance.
What you may not know Tammie, is that all veterans and all active-duty military personnel may now salute the flag while wearing civilian clothing, regardless of head coverings, whether indoors or outdoors. Before this change in the law, only those in uniform were permitted to render a military style salute. See the article here for more on the change in the law.
It would be nice if the law that permits veterans and active duty military to salute while wearing civilian clothing could be attached to the appropriate sections elsewhere in the U.S. Code, but that would take another law.
So a lot more people now are saluting the flag, which would no doubt cause confusion for those who don’t know about the change in the law. I think it would be great if the announcer in these venues (ball parks, for example) could make a short announcement explaining this information. I’m sure a lot of veterans still don’t know that they can now freely salute the flag as desired.
THANK YOU. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Thank you David. I’m glad you found The Daily Flag. Deborah
At a formal event, Do you salute the flag (Pledge of Alligiance) and then sing the National Anthem? Bother wil be done at this event.
Peggy, the U.S. Code is silent on this particular protocol. By tradition and in my experience, the Pledge is recited first and early in the event. The Master of Ceremonies will introduce the person chosen to lead the Pledge, invite the audience to stand, and all will recite the Pledge, then sit again. The MC then makes a few more remarks, and introduces the person or persons, musicians, etc. who will perform the National Anthem. The audience is again invited to stand while the Anthem is performed.
On a personal note, permit me to add that I think we all should sing the National Anthem together. That generally requires a person with a strong voice, and enormous poise to “lead” the rest of the assembly. I love a good soloist, but the song was never meant to be a solo. Our voices joined together is far more meaningful and stirring to the soul.
Deborah-
Isn’t there a difference between InDoors & Out when it comes to the Military-not-in-uniform & Veterans saluting? At Air Force ceremonies InDoors, Members in Uniform stand at attention; civilians are instructed to place the right hand over the heart. Do Military-not-in-uniform & Veterans have the option of saluting InDoors?
Dear Mr. Lewis—-A change to Section 9 of the US Flag Code, written into the Defense Authorization Act of 2008, gave veterans and members of the US Armed Forces the authority to render a hand salute to the flag, whether or not in uniform. This law was subsequently amended to include all occasions when the flag would be saluted, which (apparently, in practice) includes saluting the flag indoors.
When this change in the law was first made public, I assumed—and recommended—that active duty military personnel and veterans would follow the same guidelines they’d previously used (as active duty personnel) about saluting the flag indoors. However, that was not made clear or specified in the law—in practice, that particular rule of protocol seems to no longer apply to active duty military or veterans. The result is that veterans and active duty military are free to render a military salute indoors or outdoors, covered or uncovered, in uniform or in civilian clothing.
Dismayed that Congress would nullify centuries of tradition, the Navy and Marine Corps issued their own opinions and instructions about saluting the flag, that contradict the law passed by Congress.
I wrote about this change in the law at length in The Daily Flag here: Veterans salute the flag—clarifying the change in the U.S. Code
This article is one of my “most read” postings, and it has been widely quoted, copied, and referenced at other websites (including an official U.S. Army web site). But my opinion and what I wrote is far less important than what the comments reveal. I encourage you to read this other article, and especially the comments that follow. They are an education.
Thank you for writing, and Best Wishes, Deborah Hendrick
So, during a sporting event when there are teams from two different countries. whose anthem is played first? Does it matter if the league has designated the “home” team as the “away” team because the game is a make up of one that was supposed to take place in the other country?
Frank
Hi Frank—The U.S. State Department, which determines the standards for protocol and etiquette between the United States and foreign countries, says that on the occasions when the national anthems of a foreign country and the U.S. are both played (regardless of the occasion—it could be a ball at the White House or a ball game), then the national anthem of the other country is played first, and the national anthem of the U.S. is played last. If there were multiple anthems, the American anthem would still play last.
Thank you for writing, and Best Wishes, Deborah Hendrick
I was very offended today when my place of employment used the National Anthem as part of a looped sound track for a public event. It was used as background noise for carnival type activities. Is there any code enforcement of Title 36, or any coercive measures that can be taken to insure that the Anthem is only played in an environment where ceremony and honors can be rendered?
Oh Mike—what a terrible situation. There is no code enforcement that would prevent this from happening. Those who wrote Title 36 and codified the “law” assumed that Americans of good will and honor would follow the law, and render the proper the respect for the National Anthem. It will be hard to find who created the sound track—this person may not know that using the National Anthem this way is an egregious breech of protocol and etiquette. But you can contact the person who made the decision to use this sound track, and those in leadership at your place of employment. A letter to the editor of your local newspaper could also be effective. Chances are—you are not the only one who was offended. Good luck, Deborah Hendrick
Have you ever heard of people standing for the National Anthem when at a Sports Bar and a ball game is shown on TV? These people who stand think those who do not stand are unpatriotic. Is it ignorance of flag protocol to stand or is it ignorance to not stand?
I should add to the above comment – this is in a foreign country.
The general protocol is to stand in the actual presence of the flag. If you were watching a sporting event on television, you would not be in the actual presence of the flag being displayed at the sporting event. However, if there were a U.S. flag on display in the sports bar, then it certainly would be acceptable for Americans to stand and salute the flag. I would imagine that those watching a ball game in a sports bar would be in high spirits, and I can understand why they would want everyone to stand (especially if residing in a foreign country), but it would be an individual choice.
Here in Pensacola, FL the US Navy plays the Anthem at morning colors at both Corry Field and NAS Pensacola over loud speakers. They are BIG speakers and the Anthem can be heard for well over a mile away, well off base. I play tennis at a club a mile or so from Corry Field where you can hear the Anthem being played. Should play stop and everyone stand at attention? Some do but most don’t. It seems that since we are not anywhere near the flag we should continue play.
I apologize Bob, for the delay in answering your question. Since the National Anthem is being played specifically for the military personnel on the bases, and considering the distance you are from the flag and not on the base, I think it is permissible for you to continue with your tennis game. Thank you for writing, and best wishes, Deborah Hendrick