Trivia for 11/19/07

They play it at hockey games. And if there are teams from both Canada & the US they play both. It's an honor to be able to come and sing it. Everyone stands, even split between folks that "salute" and those that just stand. In DC, when one of the honor guards presents the colors - military, scouts or whatever - most people salute. When both anthems are sung, they do the other country first, host country final. It's a nice thing. For amatuer hockey, usually at tournaments, the final sets of games, they'll do the anthem. Pros or Ams, everyone on the ice lines up, helmets off, and faces flags.

Plus, which kind of got me a little bit - at my Rescue Squad - for the monthly membership meetings, we always start with the Pledge of Allegiance. Corny, but.....

Ellice

Just to be precise, they don't "swear" . It is a pledge. I think at this point it may differ in jurisdictions. Traditionally, that was the way the school day started - with the pledge. But, singing of either the anthem, or other patriotic songs, also goes with the district, the school, etc.

When the anthem is sung, people are supposed to stand, face the flag (if one is there), and have removed their hats. Many people will put their hand on their chest in the pledge/salute position. That's it. If there are multiple flags being presented, in the US, then the US flag must be held slightly higher than the others.

Ellice

False.

The First Amendment of the Constitution of the US trumps the US flag code. You can completely ignore the flag/pledge/anthem as you choose. If you're active in the military, I assume regulations require you to salute.

So, Sen. Obama was perfectly within his right not to put his hand on his heart. Don't know what voters will say of it, of course.

Mirjam, I've never seen someone remove a religious head covering and they certainly aren't required to. The only time it's been an issue that I can recall was in relation to a woman and her driver's license (there was an issue over whether or not she could be properly ID'd with it on; I don't see the point - she wasn't going to be driving without it, so anyone needed to look at her FACE, not her hair, anyway!). I'd be curious to hear about any etiquette/rules surrounding the Israeli flag, as well as any other countries...

Allura

------ WIP: The Dreamer, Big Girl (Dolly Momma) Cross Stitch News:

You made me think of West Point and the USMA hockey team. They hold perfectly still ( mean still - they do not budge a centimeter) for the playing the national anthem, while the other team, which is standing in front of them fidgets and fiddles and move back and forth on their skates.

I miss them.

Donna in Virginia

We can go watch a Navy Hockey game - maybe even when DH goes to ref. They stand still, too.

And, of course, if you have a heart.

Pat