At assemblies, ball games and ceremonies, you will often hear the Pledge of Allegiance or “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem. The United States Code, the collection of federal laws, describes the customs for both.
Key idea
During the Pledge and the anthem, people stand, face the flag and place the right hand over the heart. The Code asks men not in uniform to remove hats other than religious head coverings, and today most people remove hats. People in uniform salute. If no flag is displayed during the anthem, face the music.
Why it works
Standing still and quiet together is a shared sign of respect for the country and the people who serve it. It is also a courtesy to everyone around you: during those moments, talking or wandering distracts the people who are taking part.
| Moment | What the U.S. Code describes |
|---|---|
| The Pledge of Allegiance (4 U.S.C. § 4) | Stand facing the flag, right hand over the heart; men not in uniform remove headdress other than religious head coverings; people in uniform face the flag and salute. |
| The national anthem (36 U.S.C. § 301) | With the flag displayed: face the flag, stand at attention, right hand over the heart. With no flag: face toward the music. |
| The flag passing in a parade, or being raised or lowered (4 U.S.C. § 9) | Face the flag, stand at attention, right hand over the heart. |
Worked example: At a ball game
Sam is wearing a baseball cap at a game when the anthem begins. What does the custom ask?
- Stand and face the flag.
- Take off the cap; today most people do, and the Code asks it of men not in uniform.
- Hold the cap with the right hand over the heart, or put the hand over the heart, and stay quiet until the song ends.
Answer: Stand, face the flag, cap off, right hand over the heart.
Worked example: No flag in sight
At an indoor event, the anthem plays but there is no flag in the room. What should Mia do?
- Stand.
- Face toward the music, as 36 U.S.C. § 301 describes.
- Right hand over the heart until the song ends.
Answer: Stand, face the music, right hand over the heart.
Common mistake
Keeping a hat on or talking during the anthem. When no flag is displayed, people face the music. The Code describes customs; it does not punish anyone for not following them.
Some people choose not to say the Pledge, for reasons of belief. In 1943 the Supreme Court decided that public schools cannot require students to say it. Respecting other people’s choices quietly is part of good manners too.