National Anthem etiquette

[cessna152towser]

In Scotland, nowadays the only time I ever hear God Save the Queen is at the end of the annual Remembrance Day service and then only the first verse, because it is regarded as an English National Anthem. Out of respect though to our common monarch I would always stand to attention during the singing of that verse. Flower of Scotland seems to be unofficially Scotland's anthem though there are other contenders.
I recall standing silent a few years ago while The Star Spangled Banner was sung by a young female soloist at the Ventura Games. The crowd fell silent, some with hands on heart and most stood still though a few continued walking. In contrast when Flower of Scotland followed I was kind of disappointed that everyone started chattering and moving around again.
I've been to renderings of Oh Canada at Canada Day events in London England and at a Scottish Games in Canada and most people stood silent or joined in the singing.

Been to Canada twice and not seen one in the famous uniform!

You would be able to see a few Canadian Mounties in uniform near Canada House in London England on Canada Day.

[McClef]

Interesting that when I was on a choir tour of Canada in 2005 all the audience stood to sing "O Canada!"

Yet in France we sang "La Marseillaise", the audience stood but did not sing themselves.

[StevieR]

Actually, an American X Marker might be able to help me out here? I was in New York with my family in March 2008. We saw the Rangers play the Penguins at Madison Square Gardens. When the national anthem was sung there were a few boos from the crowd. We never understood why. I'm not sure if there was a statement being made about political events at the time, in NY or elsewhere?

[EagleJCS]

Actually, an American X Marker might be able to help me out here? I was in New York with my family in March 2008. We saw the Rangers play the Penguins at Madison Square Gardens. When the national anthem was sung there were a few boos from the crowd. We never understood why. I'm not sure if there was a statement being made about political events at the time, in NY or elsewhere?

My best guess - some people chose to exercise their right to free speech and express dissention with either the federal government or some action at the time. Or, maybe they were already drunk and just wanted to see the fight, er, hockey game start.

[McClef]

Please keep to the topic which is about the etiquette not the politics regarding anthems thanks.

[Dixiecat]

Interesting that when I was on a choir tour of Canada in 2005 all the audience stood to sing "O Canada!"

Indeed, Canadians generally do so when our national anthem is played. Funny story...I was at a highland dance competition in Antigonish when the heavy games started up next to the dance stage. There was a speaker mixup and their opening ceremonies were being piped through the dance comp's speakers. When O Canada started playing, right in the middle of a Seann Truibhas every dance spectator stood up. The dancers kept dancing trying to keep time with the piper while their audience and judges were standing and singing O Canada!

[ThistleDown]

Dixiecat that is a wonderful story! Thanks big bunches

[Downunder Kilt]

Indeed, Canadians generally do so when our national anthem is played. Funny story...I was at a highland dance competition in Antigonish when the heavy games started up next to the dance stage. There was a speaker mixup and their opening ceremonies were being piped through the dance comp's speakers. When O Canada started playing, right in the middle of a Seann Truibhas every dance spectator stood up. The dancers kept dancing trying to keep time with the piper while their audience and judges were standing and singing O Canada!

Hope all the dancers at that particular time received a medal for their efforts. They certainly deserve one.

[thescot]

I can only speak for myself.

When "The Star Spangled Banner" is played, I am always at attention, head cover removed, and facing the flag. I place my hand/hat over my heart. And I am likely to shed a tear or three. (The Corps training runs deep.)

It annoys me when others do not do so. I show a similar respect to "O Canada" (or other national anthems)
at the games sans hand over heart.

Saluting a passing flag by veterans is a fairly new practice, and I am a little uncomfortable saluting uncovered. (The Naval services do not salute when not wearing a hat, such as indoors unless under arms.) I am trying to get over it as I do love to salute the passing colors. In the US tradition, the US flag is never dipped for any reason. All other flags and banners are, but not the US flag, the stars and stripes.

[O'Callaghan]

I can only speak for myself.

When "The Star Spangled Banner" is played, I am always at attention, head cover removed, and facing the flag. I place my hand/hat over my heart. And I am likely to shed a tear or three. (The Corps training runs deep.)

It annoys me when others do not do so. I show a similar respect to "O Canada" (or other national anthems)
at the games sans hand over heart.

Saluting a passing flag by veterans is a fairly new practice, and I am a little uncomfortable saluting uncovered. (The Naval services do not salute when not wearing a hat, such as indoors unless under arms.) I am trying to get over it as I do love to salute the passing colors. In the US tradition, the US flag is never dipped for any reason. All other flags and banners are, but not the US flag, the stars and stripes.

Maybe those who don't place their hand over their heart are not US citizens. I'm not and I don't, even though I've lived in the US for many years. According to this thread that is correct, but I wouldn't anyway because it isn't something we do even for our own anthem. I stand for all national anthems, of course.