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flag protocol

wink

War Hoover NFO.
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
I am a self appointed flag protocol Nazi. I am the guy that tells businesses to take down their tattered flags or replace them. Since I am involved in four uniform wearing organizations (Navy, law enforcement, BSA and airline) that appear in various states of uniform and locations (covered/uncovered, indoors/outdoors, in ranks, in assemblies, working, ceremony, etc) I have become the go to guy about proper flag and flag respect protocol. But I am now stumped. Here is the question, what is the proper respect to be rendered, if any, during the playing of America the Beautiful? During a Sunday MLB game recently they played America the Beautiful as has become the tradition since 9/11. Many in the 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.
 

Banjo33

AV-8 Type
pilot
I don't think even standing at attention is even necessary. Isn't it only Anchors Away, MC Hymn, and the National Anthem (those pertaining to other countries as well) where the minimum (standing at attention) is required? Now, shutting your soup cooler and showing your patriotism is warranted, but nothing more formal. Of course, this is pure speculation.
 

scoober78

(HCDAW)
pilot
Contributor
Yeah...I'd agree with the above....

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.

At boot camp, we used to sing it every time we went under this pedestrian underpass at the top of our lungs while marching...kinda amusing in retrospect...but they never told us to stand at attention when we heard it out of formation.
 

wink

War Hoover NFO.
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Just as an FYI though...I'm not sure there is a Navy-wide protocol to stand at attention when Anchors Aweigh is played like there is in the Marine Corps.


It is a military wide tradition. If you ever attend any multi-service tribute/honorary events you will find yourself standing at attention for Anchors Aweigh. 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.
 

scoober78

(HCDAW)
pilot
Contributor
Hmmm...OK. Been to lots of Joint Service events...well its relative I guess...but about 8 and we haven't played service song/hymns at any.

Guess I'll know when I see it!
 

raptor10

Philosoraptor
Contributor
I've heard them majority of the time our unit is called on to do a joint event... I guess you've got to be doing somethin important... =)

Also doesn't the standing at a attention also apply to the sailors creed?
 

wink

War Hoover NFO.
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Guess I'll know when I see it!

Or you will have crusty old retired Marine poke you in the back and say "that's for you sir, stand up." I was the only Navy in attendance and I simply missed the flowery lead in of the particular arrangement the band was playing. It was no big thing. Started out my Navy career with Marines telling me what to do;) . I expect my DI back in '79 never thought I'd get it right anyway.
 

Purdue

Chicks Dig Rotors...
pilot
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...
 

scoober78

(HCDAW)
pilot
Contributor
I've heard them majority of the time our unit is called on to do a joint event... I guess you've got to be doing somethin important... =)

You are a mid...gimme a break.:sleep_125

I thought it was appropriate for all service members to stand no matter which service song was playing.

Yeah, thinking back, I stood POA when I was at my buddy's comissioning...(USMC)
 

greysword

Boldly lick where no one has licked before
I could not find anything about standing at attention during Anchors Away, the Marine Corps Hymn, or America the Beautiful in the enlisted BMR:

https://www.advancement.cnet.navy.mil/nac/fullbook/14325.pdf

It does talk extensively about standing at attention and saluting the flag and officers and what to do during the national anthem starting on page 9-1.

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 :)
 

raptor10

Philosoraptor
Contributor
Edited for accuracy
You are THE MIDN...gimme a break.:scared_12

kit-kat-ads.jpg

There you go...
 

Banjo33

AV-8 Type
pilot
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...


Or, you could be THAT guy that doesn't stand during the Army's or Air Force's service song. Required or not, I'd most definitely be right there at attention with them.
 
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