Proper Procedures for the National Anthem
Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star Spangled Banner" as a poem after watching the British attack on Fort McHenry, Maryland, during the War of 1812. Unknown people later paired the words with the music from an old British drinking song. The United States Congress adopted "The Star Spangled Banner" as the U.S. national anthem by resolution on March 3, 1931.
Other People Are Reading
-
Designation as National Anthem
-
The U.S. Code contains Congress' official designation of "The Star Spangled Banner" as the national anthem. Procedures for using and observing the anthem appear in Title 36, Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations; Chapter 3, National Anthem, Motto, Floral Emblem, March, and Tree; Sec. 301.
Procedures for Observing the Anthem
-
When performers play the anthem while the U.S. flag is present, everyone present who is not wearing a uniform should face the flag, stand at attention and place their right hands over their hearts. Men not wearing uniforms should remove their hats with their right hands and place that hand over their hearts. Those wearing uniforms will salute when the anthem music begins and hold the salute until the music ends. When the flag is not present, those attending the event should follow the same procedures, but face the source of the music.
-
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
