National Anthem
Jun 28th, 2008 by Larry Hendrick
- Designation.–The composition consisting of the words and music known as the
Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem. - Conduct During Playing.–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; - 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.
(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1263.)
Sec. 302. National motto
“In God we trust” is the national motto.
(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1263; Pub. L. 107-293,
Sec. 303. National floral emblem
The flower commonly known as the rose is the national floral emblem.
(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1263.)
Sec. 304. National march
The composition by John Philip Sousa entitled “The Stars and Stripes
Forever” is the national march.
(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1263.)
In a US sports stadium, if the first game is between 2 Canadian teams, the second game is between 2 American teams and both flags are displayed, do you play the Canadian national anthem before the first game and the US national anthem before the sceond? Or do you play both anthems before the first game and the US anthem only before the second?
As a courtesy in the United States, the national anthems of other countries are always played before the American national anthem. In the scenario you describe, the Canadian national anthem would be played first, then the Star-Spangled Banner would be played as the host nation (and host stadium) regardless of what country’s teams were playing. Unless there were a long gap (several hours at least) between the first game and the second game, with a mass exodus of first-game spectators being replaced with fresh second-game spectators, I don’t know of any reason why the Star-Spangled Banner would need to be played a second time.
However, professional league games might have a protocol that would have the National Anthem played for each and every game.
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What is the proper order of Singing the National Anthem and saying the Pledge of Allegience?
Hello JT—There is nothing written in the U.S. Code that says what the order should be. By tradition, the Pledge is generally recited first (if for example, a color guard is holding the flags, and then they are posted), and then the National Anthem is sung. Thank you for writing.
At an event such as a Highland Games what is the protocol for flags like a clan tartan flag during the Star-Spangled Banner? Should they be lowered? Also when trooping past the American flag?
Hi Duncan,
I could use a little more information but will try to extrapolate and answer your question. As long as the clan tartan flag is not flying higher than the U.S. flag, or to the right of the U.S. flag, you don’t have to do anything with it during the National Anthem. All present should render a heart salute, or a hand salute (as permitted) during the National Anthem.
When trooping past the American flag, the clan colors should be dipped when they pass by the American flag.
I read somewhere that it is not considered proper protocol to applaud after the playing of the National Anthem. Is that true?????
Also there is a court case that was settled in NYC with a man who was ejected from a baseball game because he went to the bathroom during the 7th inning stretch (which includes the playing of “God Bless America”. Supposedly the stadium has a strict policy on people not leaving their seats during the playing of God Bless America. Was the stadium right for ejecting the patron???? I have my own opinion on that. And that’s what makes this country great….I can have my own opinion.
Hi Keith, thank you for writing.
To my knowledge, there is no wording in the flag code, or anywhere in the U.S. Code that would prohibit applause AFTER the playing of the National Anthem. It is however, very poor etiquette and a breach of protocol to begin clapping and cheering BEFORE the song is over, but that seems to be the standard these days in large public venues.
Bradford Campeau-Laurion, of Astoria, Queens sued the City of New York, which will now pay $10,001 to settle a federal lawsuit on his behalf when he was ejected from the old Yankee Stadium last August after trying to use the bathroom during the playing of “God Bless America.” In addition, the team has publicly declared that it has no policy prohibiting fans from moving about during the playing of the patriotic song, which the team began playing during games after 9/11.
While I appreciate Yankees management’s desire to foster an enthusiastic and patriotic spirit at the ball park, somewhere along the way their desire trampled an individual’s rights. What a daft idea this was, to forcibly require patrons to remain in their seats during “God Bless America.”
If it is “a breach of protocol to begin clapping and cheering BEFORE the song is over,” I would believe that it is inappropriate to cheer throughout the singing of our National Anthem? I was aghast at the behavior of Chicago fans at our game against them. They claim that it is traditional to their (Chicago’s sports) culture. I guess I’ve not followed their teams closely enough to notice! I think it is disrespectful.
You aren’t the only one who was aghast by the behavior of the crowd. I can appreciate how much the fans like Jim Cornelison, who sang the National Anthem, but I wish they could hold their cheering until he’s finished—then raise the roof with their applause and cheers. If we all sang the National Anthem together—my most sincere and heart-felt wish—this would not be a problem.
I was gratified however, that the announcer asked those present to stand, and for gentlemen to remove their hats.
Thank you for writing Vi, and Best Wishes, Deborah
When is it propwer to do the national anthem?
The U.S. Code is silent on this topic. But the National Anthem can be performed anytime. By tradition, the National Anthem is normally included near the beginning of an event, and is introduced so guests will have time to stand and prepare to salute. Thank you for writing. Deborah Hendrick
Hello,
I am Dutch, I think here we are less patriotic than Americans, but when the national anthem is played, everyone should stand in the way he or she wants right?
Here basically everyone takes off their headdress when its an official event (for example in an international sports event, this would happen less, but in a remembrance of WWII, everyone takes their hats off). I also never see anyone standing with the hand on the heart, many people keep their hands behind their back.
If I am in the USA, and during the anthem, I have my hands behind my back, is this considered inappropriate? And why?
Kind regards,
P.
For any “foreign national” in another country—as you would be if you were in the United States—during that nation’s national anthem, it is appropriate for you to stand straight, remove any head coverings, and hold your arms down at your sides. You would not render any kind of a salute. This is very common in the United States where we have so many citizens from Mexico, Canada, and Japan, who play on American sporting teams.
Thank you for writing. Best Wishes, Deborah Hendrick
Is it appropriate to play another country’s anthem when both teams are American ?
I was at the Women’s Pro Soccer Final in Rochester this past weekend and they played the Canadian anthem prior to the Star Spangled Banner. I found this appalling as both teams are from USA. There are 2 players on the WNY Flash (HOST TEAM) that are Canadian, but 2 also from Brazil and 1 from Sweeden.
Your Thoughts ?
I don’t know anything about soccer, so there may be customs and traditions that go along with championship matches that I don’t know about. Given the proximity of Rochester to Canada, I am sure there must have been many Canadians there to watch the Finals. As an acknowledgement of our Canadian neighbors, as a sign of friendship and respect for them, I see nothing wrong in playing the Canadian national anthem. And according to U.S. State Department protocol, a “guest” anthem is played first, and the American national anthem is played last.
Thank you for writing. Best Wishes, Deborah
We are stationed with the military overseas. When they play the national anthem of our host country first, military members render a salute and keep it there until the US national anthem is finished. We have an ongoing debate about customs and courtesies. To stand at attention during the playing of the host nation(s) national anthem and flag is courteous. To place your hand over your heart and render a salute implies ‘allegiance’; hence, we shouldn’t do either during any other countries’ national anthem. Do you know the answer to our dilemma?
Thank you for writing. As a civilian, when you are present for the playing of another nation’s nation anthem, the proper etiquette is to stand at attention, arms down to your sides. You do not salute with “heart” salute.
This is a common problem for professional baseball and hockey players here in the U.S., many of whom are not American citizens. They don’t want to appear rude, and worry that some fans may not realize that they are not U.S. citizen.
Best Wishes,
Deborah Hendrick
It drives me crazy at sporting events when people who are in the concession area (not out at the seats) do not stand at attention during the national anthem. They keep walking or doing their business. To me you are still “present” even though you are in the area behind the seats in the stadium. Does anyone know whether being in concession areas constitutes being present? It seems we could lobby some baseball players to get the concessionaires to stop selling concessions during the playing of the national anthem. thanks. Julie
Julie, if we can hear the music—even if we cannot see the flag—we are supposed to stand at attention, face the source of the music, and salute (either with a military style salute as appropriate, or with a “heart” salute. Unfortunately, out of sight is out of mind for too many people, Julie. I think it would be wonderful of the concessionaires and their customers would halt business for the whole minute that it takes to sing the National Anthem, and surely there are some that do, but it is a rarity.
Unfortunately, not too many people know precisely what the U.S. Code says about the National Anthem:
From Title 35, Chapter 3: Sec. 301. National anthem
-STATUTE-
(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) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at
the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until
the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present
but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner
provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand
at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not
in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with
their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand
being over the heart; 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.
I made the last part in bold so it would stand out. Thank you for writing, Julie
Deborah, that is what I have always thought. thanks. I’m going to try to do something about it. Do you know of any ballparks who tell the concession workers to stand and not make sales during the national anthem? Julie
No, I don’t Julie. But I love to talk on the phone, and I’ll call almost anyone to ask questions. Perhaps that is something you could try locally. Ask for the public relations department, and if you get the run-around, call a local sports reporter and see if you can get an insider’s name. Good Luck, Julie.
what is the protocol for the singer of the anthem? As a veteran does he salute and sing?
Does the veteran who sings the National Anthem salute while singing?
Hi Susan. Those involved in the performance of the National Anthem—regardless of their status (veteran, active duty military, or civilian) are exempt from saluting during the anthem. This includes musicians and vocalists. Thank you for writing, Deborah Hendrick
Hi Susan. Those involved in the performance of the National Anthem—regardless of their status (veteran, active duty military, or civilian) are exempt from saluting during the anthem. This includes musicians and vocalists. Thank you for writing, Deborah Hendrick
If not in formation and not covered, is there any regulation prohibiting military members in uniform from singing the National Anthem when played at a command event (no soloist, just a song leader or few people leading the assembly in singing)?
Dear Mr. Applegate,
Title 36 from the U.S. Code reads:
Sec. 301. National anthem
-STATUTE-
(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) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at
the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until
the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present
but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner
provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand
at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not
in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with
their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand
being over the heart; 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.
You can read all of Title 36 here: http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/36C3.txt
Thank you for writing.
Best wishes, Deborah Hendrick
Can you please tell me why women are not required to remove their hats/headresses during the playing of the National Anthem just as the men are required to do?
Ms. Leonard, I don’t think anyone knows the answer with any certainty. But within recorded history, men have removed their head coverings as a sign of fealty, honor, respect, valor, et cetera. It was an expression unique to men, and still is. Thank you for writing.
Best wishes,
Deborah Hendrick
I have heard that it is not appropriate to play or sing the National Anthem twice in one day at the same event. i.e both at a JV and Varsity sporting game. Can you clarify?
The U.S. Code is silent on all topics surrounding the National Anthem except for conduct during the actual Anthem. I have never heard that it was inappropriate to play the Anthem a second time at what is essentially the same event. If there were a considerable length of time between the two games, with a substantial turnover or increase to the spectators, then certainly playing the Anthem a second time would be permissible. If the two games were practically back-to-back (I’m thinking of high school basketball games, where all they do between games is dust-mop the court and the next game begins), then playing the Anthem a second time would seem unnecessary. Or if there were some sort of official opening ceremony to the event where the Anthem is played, then I can’t see playing it a second time for a subsequent game. However, in a particular locality, the tradition may be that every game is entitled to all honor and tradition as the next game, and I am fine with that, too.
Thank you for writing, and best wishes, Deborah Hendrick
Attended a sporting event between American Team and Canadian Team. Ther was an Honor Guard present. All were ask and to stand and remove head dress. The Canadian National Athem was played. The Honor Guard stayed of stage in view of audence, but did not Post with the Colors until the American National Athem was played. There was a Canadian flag displayed in the arena, but not staffed by the Honor Guard. I consider this a breach of protocal. Your opinion please.
CMSgt Harry Teaford
Yes—I agree with you. It was a breach of protocol to have played the Canadian National Anthem before posting the Colors. The U.S. State Department instructs us to render the same honors to our foreign guests (their anthem, their flag) as we give unto our own. Both national anthems should have been played after the posting of the Colors. I suspect this sort of thing happens a lot, along the U.S.—Canada “hockey belt.” After all these years of playing games in and out of each other’s countries, you’d think we’d have this bit of etiquette squared away.
The problem is—neither the “Flag Code” or the code for the National Anthem, which are documents written for civilians, include any instructions for Honor Guard (I call them Color Guards—a holdover from Scouts). So when a civilian organization (the hockey club) invites a military organization (the Honor Guard) to carry the Colors, the opportunity for mistakes increases. The military have precise and highly detailed instructions—civilians, not so much.
It would be a kindness if you called the public relations manager at the Spokane hockey club and gently explained about the protocol, so this doesn’t happen again—at least not in Spokane. I’m sure the club would want to do use the proper procedure in the future.
Thank you for writing, and Best Wishes, Deborah Hendrick
Your thread was the only one I could find that answers my particular situation. Just to be certain: I am conducting a community choir concert called “Our Neighbors to the North and South”. We are closing our concert with the singing of “O Canada”. I should request the audience to stand at attention with their hands by their sides, correct?
The U.S. State Department advises us to give the same attention and honor to the national anthem of all other countries, just as we do for our own. So we do stand at attention with hands at sides—we do not salute. Thank you for writing, Donna. This is an important bit of etiquette we all need to know. Best wishes, Deborah Hendrick
Just want to confirm that when both the US and the Canadian National Anthems are played/sung on US soil, the Canadian National Anthem is first followed by the US National Anthem.
Yes Albert, the Canadian anthem is played first.