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Posted on Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 10:46 a.m.

Patriotism we weren't taught when it comes to the national anthem

By Letters to the Editor

During the 2007 Hillary Clinton-Barack Obama campaign, candidate Obama was criticized for not having his hand over his heart during playing of The Star-Spangled Banner the way Clinton did.

On the web, I learned that U.S. Code 301, passed in 1942, says that during the playing of the national anthem, we should stand at attention with our right hand over our heart. (People in uniform should salute.)

Virtually no one I’ve talked to was aware of this. It is a mystery to me why we were not taught this, the way we were taught to place our hand over our heart for the Pledge of Allegiance, as called for in federal Code 302.

My goal is for Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan to become the best informed about this in the country. In the last year, U-M students, cheerleaders and athletes, Big Ten and CCHA athletic officials, Rotary Club of Ann Arbor members, Ann Arbor public school students and many others started placing their hand over their heart during The Star-Spangled Banner once they were made aware of it. I hope that, now knowing about the code, you will help us meet that goal.

Jim Reece
Ann Arbor

Comments

Jack

Tue, Sep 13, 2011 : 5:43 p.m.

During the year and a half that our classroom building at EMU was being renovated, we had digs in an empty dorm. My office faced the flagpole outside the Dept. of Public Safety. It always felt good to see the flag flying, morning and night. I've always felt a visceral love for our country when I see the flag or hear our anthem (including America The Beautiful). It deserves respect, and "freedom of speech" be damned, it's our flag and any disrespect toward it is shameful.

SMC

Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 2:55 p.m.

Once everyone's on board with the arbitrary hand-placement rule, perhaps this country should adopt an official greeting. Failing to greet others in the prescribed fashion will be a punishable offense. Once upon a time, there was a such a law, in a place called Germany. The official greeting was "Heil Hitler."

Charlie Brown's Ghost

Wed, Sep 21, 2011 : 3:18 p.m.

Godwin's law invoked.

Les Jenkins

Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.

Yes, nothing like enforcing conformity in a rote ceremony to inspire patriotism, eh? Some people aren't happy unless they're telling everyone else how to properly be patriotic. I'll bet dollars to donuts Mr. Reece avoids jury duty at all costs. Doing a civic duty like that is real patriotism, not running around making sure everyone has their hands over their hearts or are saluting in the proper way.

KJMClark

Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 11:04 a.m.

That's funny. I thought everyone learned that. When in uniform, you salute, when out of uniform, you remove any cap and hold your right hand over your heart during the national anthem. But I'm one of those pesky liberals. Maybe they only teach that in union towns like where I grew up? (Of course, I was a Marine brat, so maybe I learned it there too.) Murrow's right though. There are more important ways to honor your country.

Roadman

Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 4:24 a.m.

Th United States Supreme Court in the Barnett decision of 1943 struck down requirements that one had to salute a flag, indicating that the First Amendment Free Speech Clause entailed a corresponding right not to express oneself. Lou Whitaker and Chet Lemon, formerly of the Dteroit Tigers and Jehovah's Witness adherents, customarily did not not pay deference to the rendition of the National Anthem prior to the commencement of a ballgame.

Lovaduck

Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 2:07 a.m.

I was born in the 40's so I'm no spring chicken, and I came from a VERY conservative area of Pennsylvania ...I NEVER heard of the "rule" that you are to put your hand over your heart during the national anthem. I do remember doing that during the Pledge of Allegiance at school, but we were NEVER required to place our hand over our heart. This is honestly the first time I've heard of that, and yes, Mr. Warner, I agree that it's WAY over the top. It actually, to me, smacks of patriotic sanctimoniousness.

just a voice

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 11:26 p.m.

New Ann Arbor motto, 'conformity to code'

Adam Jaskiewicz

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 11:17 p.m.

I was taught this in elementary school, in the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Not too long ago, either, as I was in elementary school during the early 1990s.

Rork Kuick

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 10:41 p.m.

Anthem and pledge would have more impact if they happened less. At high frequency, they become empty ritual involving a piece of cloth.

Charlie Brown's Ghost

Wed, Sep 21, 2011 : 3:17 p.m.

"At high frequency, they become empty ritual involving a piece of cloth." To some, maybe, but not to some others, like me.

Goober

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 9:13 p.m.

There is no better place to live in the world than the United States of America. I will always wear a lapel pin, fly a flag, place my hand over my heart or do anything to demonstrate my undying support for the US. Regardless of our political differences there is no better place than the US. I can attest that our soldiers very much appreciate our patriotic support.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 8:14 p.m.

As a former member of the military and someone who routinely talks to our young military members, if you want to show you care, pay more taxes to pay for the medical care the veterans will need over the next 40 years as they recover from amputations, traumatic brain injuries, and PTSD. The VA and military medical centers are overloaded with these heroes , far more need to get in (esp. those who suffer from PTSD), yet services are being cut (Walter Reed Army Medical Center is being shut down for budgetary reasons) and clearly will be cut more as budgets face the wrath of the Teaparty (so patriotic they are). Wearing lapel pins, flying the flag, putting the hand over one's heart is WalMart patriotism and, in my experience, soldiers see right through it. Want to be a patriot? Do something concrete. Everything else is an empty gesture. Good Night and Good Luck

amlive

Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 3:53 a.m.

I second Tex. I don't always agree with EM's ghost, but I think he hit it spot on that while token gestures and following traditional social protocols are nice and all, they are simply hollow gestures (and easily seen through as you said) unless backed by real actions.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 1:18 a.m.

Thanks, Tex! Good Night and Good Luck

Tex Treeder

Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 1 a.m.

I occasionally disagree with Mr. Ghost, but on this one he is right on the money. Be a patriot, not a nationalist.

MikeyP

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 6:28 p.m.

You know lots of people who didn't know this? Every time I attended any event where the national anthem was played everyone around me put their right hand over their hearts and so did I. I grew up in Metro-Detroit, so it's not like it's some strange custom from far away. I'm also 33, so we're not talking ancient history. Some of us WERE taught this lesson, apparently. I didn't grow up in Ann Arbor, though... maybe that's the difference? It's just perplexing that this isn't common knowledge around here!

DonBee

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.

As a former member of the military and someone who routinely talks to our young military members, if you want to show you care, stand up, take your hat off, and put your hand on your heart. They see the TV coverage, and it impacts them and their morale when they see a united front at home. I was in the Atlanta airport last week, a group of young service members in uniform was changing aircraft. The people on the concourse all stood and applauded them as they walked down the hall. They went from slumping along under the weight of backpacks and bags to getting in step and smiling as they made their way down the concourse. While the government may not deserve your respect. I hope you give it to these young people who are defending your rights and freedoms.

Mike K

Thu, Sep 15, 2011 : 8:21 p.m.

They've been doing it a while. I was in Atl in May. The soldiers that walk through that "guantlet" come out smiling. It's a random of of kindness lol. ERMG has it dead wrong. Amazing that he can turn anything into an arguement for more taxes.

Hunterjim

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 4:25 p.m.

I was taught this in elementary school. But back then we also prayed in school, sang Christmas carols, and above all were taught the meanings of respect, honor, and patroitism. I find it troubling that so many feel it is about them and their personal rights and feelings. Placing ones hand over their heart and pledging their alliegence to this country does not step on anyones individual identity, but it shows honor and respect to the counrty that we are priviledged to live in and be a citizen of. God bless America.

1bit

Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 4:44 a.m.

I was taught to place my hand over my heart as well in elementary school. It was actually when I transfered to a Catholic grade school that I noticed this was not done routinely. I still place my right hand over my heart during the anthem, but would not begrudge anyone for not doing it.

sh1

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 5:39 p.m.

And you just expressed your "personal rights and feelings," correct? I support your right to do that without dictating what others should do.

Tom Teague

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 3:47 p.m.

At ball games and other events, I find that most people stand and show appropriate respect for the flag. Most of the folks I see not acting with some decorum are fidgety kids or the occasional performer who seems to confuse the public singing of the anthem with an opportunity to add a few vocal acrobatics and blandishments. But the Flag Code is primarily advisory and I believe that enforcing compliance would violate our First Amendment rights. As for me, I choose to exercise my First Amendment rights by standing and showing respect for the flag when I attend an event where the National Anthem is played. You have a right to choose otherwise.

Tom Teague

Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 9:24 p.m.

Thank you. I wrote in haste and didn't look up the case, but I was pretty sure that the Flag Code had been relegated to guidance and not law.

Roadman

Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 4:25 a.m.

@Tom: The Supreme Court in the Barnett decision in 1943 upheld a First Amendment right to ignore flag decorum without violation of a criminal law.

David Wizard

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 3:39 p.m.

I'm not sure that a government that thinks it can dictate how I should display my patriotic pride deserves that pride in the first place. I show civic respect the same way I show respect for art - by standing, and then by applauding. And since this IS America, whatever I choose to do is sufficient.

sh1

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.

Around the start of WWI, Americans could be thrown in jail for not showing their patriotism publicly (refusing to rise for the "Star Spangled Banner," for example). I am glad that we have evolved to a point where we can each show our version of patriotism without threat. Isn't that what the freedom we cherish so much is about?

Lou Perry

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 3:18 p.m.

I was in the Army. We were taught to only salute/hand on heart for only the Pledge of Allegiance. Who knew?

Tex Treeder

Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 12:07 a.m.

Your former drill sergeant might disagree. Army basic training includes teaching soldiers in uniform to salute while the national anthem is being played.

Will Warner

Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 3:13 p.m.

Look, I am as moved by the national anthem as anyone, probably more moved than some. But I think that removing one's hat and singing, with a posture of respectful attentiveness, is sufficient. Putting one's hand over one's heart seems a bit over the top. We can demonstrate our love of country without making a fetish out of it.