Tag Archives: National Anthem

Debate on anthem etiquette expands

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Now that we’re discussing — at least for the moment — how one should stand while singing the National Anthem, allow me this observation.

It’s been brought to my attention that as of 2009, it’s OK for military veterans to deliver a salute while the anthem is being played.

This issue came to light after U.S. gymnast Gabby Douglas didn’t place her hand over her heart while the anthem was playing as she and her teammates accepted the Olympic gold medal in Rio.

Douglas apologized for offending those who were offended. She didn’t need to do so, in my view.

Then someone reminded me of a change in anthem etiquette that now allows vets to snap a salute while the song is played.

I guess my friend was telling me that because he knows I’m a veteran.

Well, that’s nice of him to do so.

I remember how to salute properly. I just don’t like doing it while standing in civilian attire.

Why? It looks pretentious to me.

Several months ago I watched a fellow stand and salute a television while the anthem was being played during a televised athletic event. I guess the gentleman thought he was making an appropriate statement about how much he loves our country by rendering a hand salute in a public area.

That’s all fine.

I love our country, too. I can’t help but wonder: Would I have to produce my Veterans Administration card to prove I’m eligible to salute?

No apology needed, Gabby

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Gabby Douglas, one of the U.S.’s five gold medal-winning Olympic gymnasts, has apologized for “offending” those who were critical of her because she didn’t place her hand over heart during the playing of the National Anthem.

No apology is needed, young lady.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/08/10/ease-up-america-gabby-douglas-wasnt-dissing-you-during-the-olympics-medal-ceremony/?tid=sm_fb

We are now witnessing one of the aspects of social media that infuriates me. People get on Twitter and fire off half-baked critiques and insults.

The U.S. Code of Conduct governing proper etiquette during the playing of the National Anthem added a provision in 2008 that suggests placing the hand over your heart. But the rule isn’t written into law, for crying out loud!

Gabby didn’t do a single thing wrong by standing simply at attention while her teammates place their hands over their hearts.

For the record, I don’t place my hand over my heart, either, while the National Anthem is being played. Am I disrespecting the flag, my country, or am I showing that I am less of a patriot than those who do? Hardly.

Neither is Gabby Douglas.

No singing at memorial? Oh, please!

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An overzealous security guard at the 9/11 memorial and museum in New York City deserves a serious reprimand by the New York Port Authority that employs him.

The guard told a North Carolina middle school class to stop singing — here it comes — the National Anthem at the memorial.

It seems that singing isn’t allowed at this sacred site without someone or some group paying for a special permit to do so.

To which I would add: what pure baloney!

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/26/nyregion/guard-stops-students-from-singing-national-anthem-at-9-11-memorial.html

The museum staff has issued an apology to the students and their adult chaperones. It said the guard acted inappropriately.

Gee, do you think?

Perhaps the most stunning element of this story might be the reaction from the teachers. They said they viewed the incident as something of a teaching experience for the children. It taught them to “respect authority,” according to the New York Times.

I give huge credit for the teachers for their restraint and their respect for the authority of the guards.

However, it wasn’t as if the kids were singing some kind of raunchy rock song or a ’60s protest song that criticized the federal government.

The students sought to honor the nation with their rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

It seems the museum brass ought to rethink the rules it has set out. Some clarity at the very least is in order, given that the teachers who led the students were told it would be OK to sing the anthem.

Whatever the outcome, the 9/11 museum and the Port Authority deserve the criticism that is coming their way.

 

This is how you sing the National Anthem

Three years ago today, Whitney Houston died tragically.

Many of us mourned her death, expressing anguish at the downward spiral her life took prior to her leaving this world.

I just wanted to post this video to remember one of the most marvelous musical instruments God ever produced.

This young woman could sing like few others ever have been able to do.

Enjoy the sound of her voice … one more time. And while you’re at it, take note of the joy on her face as she pays this marvelous tribute to our great country.