A recent question came in to your editor in regards to the Veterans Day program at the R-B High School and what is the proper method for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem as it pertained to saluting, hat removal, etc. So, after some research, here is what was found:
The protocol for the Pledge of Allegiance is laid out in the Flag Code in Sec. 4: The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform, men should removed 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.
Although Legionnaires are considered "in uniform" by The American Legion simply by wearing an official American Legion cap, they should remove it and follow the procedure listed above when reciting the Pledge or when standing in silent reverence in memory of departed comrades.
Proper protocol for Star-Spangled Banner is found in a separate code under Title 36 of Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies,and Organizations, and listed under Chapter 3, Section 301 on the National Anthem:xx During a rendition of the National Anthem, when the flag is displayed, (a) all present 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 (d) 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.
However, in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, it contained an amendment to allow non-uniformed service members, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, and passing of the U.S. Flag. In a later amendment in 2009, it authorized a hand-salute during the National Anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. Thus part (b) above was modified to include "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."
So, in recap, for the Pledge of Allegiance, if not in active military uniform, men's hats are removed and held over the heart. For the National Anthem, if not in active military uniform, men's hats should be removed and held over the heart, or may be left intact and a military-style salute given. And, as a side note, women are never required to remove their hat, whether in uniform or not, but still hold their hand over their heart (non-military or veteran) or present a military salute (if in uniform or a veteran).
So, hopefully, now the next time you attend a ball game, concert, school event, or a patriotic outing, you will know the correct protocol to show honor and respect to our country's flag and national anthem.
Side Note: For more information on the proper procedures for wearing the Legion Cap, please see posting on August 4th by clicking HERE.
The protocol for the Pledge of Allegiance is laid out in the Flag Code in Sec. 4: The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform, men should removed 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.
Although Legionnaires are considered "in uniform" by The American Legion simply by wearing an official American Legion cap, they should remove it and follow the procedure listed above when reciting the Pledge or when standing in silent reverence in memory of departed comrades.
Proper protocol for Star-Spangled Banner is found in a separate code under Title 36 of Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies,and Organizations, and listed under Chapter 3, Section 301 on the National Anthem:xx During a rendition of the National Anthem, when the flag is displayed, (a) all present 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 (d) 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.
However, in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, it contained an amendment to allow non-uniformed service members, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, and passing of the U.S. Flag. In a later amendment in 2009, it authorized a hand-salute during the National Anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. Thus part (b) above was modified to include "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."
So, in recap, for the Pledge of Allegiance, if not in active military uniform, men's hats are removed and held over the heart. For the National Anthem, if not in active military uniform, men's hats should be removed and held over the heart, or may be left intact and a military-style salute given. And, as a side note, women are never required to remove their hat, whether in uniform or not, but still hold their hand over their heart (non-military or veteran) or present a military salute (if in uniform or a veteran).
So, hopefully, now the next time you attend a ball game, concert, school event, or a patriotic outing, you will know the correct protocol to show honor and respect to our country's flag and national anthem.
Side Note: For more information on the proper procedures for wearing the Legion Cap, please see posting on August 4th by clicking HERE.
