Well, everyone. I hope I can share some information from the Marine Corps and Navy Bands Ceremonies Handbook to shed some light on proper protocol. Our first concern in this thread was :
1. "A Crowd removed their hats, some put their hands over their hearts. I am sure many of those folks did even know the difference between America the Beautiful and the National Anthem. But I also noticed that players and staff on the field faced the flag, stood at attention and removed their hats. I do not believe that is necessary. I think simply standing at attention and facing the flag is more then enough. What say you? Please provide references when possible."
ANSWER
According to Marine Corps Drills and Ceremonial Manual, "When special circumstances, such as use of a gymnasium, hangar, and hangar bays dictate, the commanding officer may direct that participants and guests alike remain covered and render appropriate salutes as required by the particular ceremony.In such instances, commanding officers will detail the specific requirements for remaining covered and rendering appropriated salutes.
THEREFORE, the person in charge of the ceremony shall, prior to the playing of "America the Beautiful", the explain to the audience to please remain standing, covered members to stand fast (no salute) and civilians to place their hand over their heart. It is rather important the players and staff "face" the flag to render the only honor they can while remaining covered. If players choose, they too may place their hand over their heart. This is all said "PRIOR" to playing "America the Beautiful." Everyone present will listen to the instructions by the emcee and do what they are asked. Especially if someone here has decided to show the National Ensign respect.
2. I don't think even standing at attention is even necessary. Isn't it only Anchors Aweigh, Marine's Hymn, and the National Anthem (those pertaining to other countries as well) where the minimum (standing at attention) is required?
ANSWER
Yes. No one HAS to stand at attention for "America the Beautiful", but most people have a habit of doing so. If you'd like to tell them beforehand to please stand, that would be helpful. Standing at attention for those who served for a specific service, will stand at attention for their service song when played.
3. "Just as an FYI though...I'm not sure there is a Navy-wide protocal to stand at attention when Anchors Aweigh is played like there is in the Marine Corps."
ANSWER
Yes, it is Navy-wide protocol for those who served in the United States Navy to stand at attention, during military functions and events, and even some civilian events, during your service song and the National Anthem.
4. "Just as a side note, along the protocol nazi theme, the military service songs are properly played in the oder of seniority of the service (well in neutral settings at least). Hence, the Army comes first."
ANSWER
That can sometimes change depending on which service is hosting an event. At ALL United States Navy Band events, "Anchors Aweigh" is played last, in recognition of those who were in charge of the ceremony or event provided that day/evening. In fact, some services (The Navy) have their own arrangements on which service songs lead. Even given this known fact above.
5. "I thought it was appropriate for all service members to stand no matter which service song was playing. Guess I was wrong about that, but I remember seeing Air Forcians and Marines standing during Anchor's aweigh at Navy Balls..."
ANWER
It is not required for all servicemen to stand for all service songs. They will if they are friends, have performed missions with them or units from that service, etc.
6. "Also doesn't the standing at a attention also apply to the sailors creed?"
ANSWER
Yes, all Sailors will stand and recite the Sailors Creed when requested to.
7. "I could not find anything about standing at attention during Anchors Away, the Marine Corps Hymn, or America the Beautiful in the enlisted BMR"
ANSWER
It's not in there. The information for ceremonies is listed in the Marine Corps Drill Ceremonies Manual and Ceremonies Handbook and Ceremonies from the Bureau of Naval Personnel Manual for the Navy. Flags, Pennants, Honors, Ceremonies and Customs are all addressed in these books, not easily attainable. Because they're used by the military men and women who know the proper management and drill of formal ceremonies and we don't require civilians to direct these events.
I hope this helps. And there are specific guidelines for the length of a flag for a pole. Here is a site loaded with information about raising, lowering, and dipping the ensign when required. Someone here might like to see this -
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeohzt4/Seaflags/customs/customs.html
A residential flag is normally 4x6. On anything else, the pole should be three to four times the length of the flag. It's nice to see such exchange over the American ensign.
Ooo-Rah to my Marines and Hoo-yah to my Sailors for keeping our national ensign in the air~ If I can be of any other assistance, give me a few days to get to you, but I will give you good Navy gouge.
Finally, someone mentioned:
"As a side note, my wife says the Army requires people to get out of their car and stand at attention during colors on an army post. I checked again in the BMR about the Navy and it says to sit at attention in the car for the Navy." TRUE for the Navy. I'm not Army so you would have to find an Army member to confirm that. But, give me a day or two and I can probably find that out for you.
