I suspect (but have no concrete proof) that the hand-on-heart thing became more common as the number of politicians without military service became more common.

Think about it -- the president or a senator goes to visit a military base (or post, or installation of your choice) and the national anthem is played. A commander in chief with previous military experience could salute -- but if someone who hadn't served tried that, they'd be pilloried. But if you stand there with your hands at your sides, you could also get slammed for "not doing anything." Bingo! The civilian salute.

Never put my hand on my heart, although I do sometimes sing if it's a sporting event and others around me are singing. My high school swim team had to sing the anthem ourselves, so I have lots of practice (which is not the same as sounding good, but enthusiasm is key at sporting events). If I were male, I'd take my hat off and stand up straight but not put my hand over my heart.

For what it's worth, I don't recite the pledge but stand quietly "at attention" facing the flag when it's being said. I think it's possible to opt out of what you consider overly nationalistic and still be respectful to the people around you who care more.

Finally, I believe the quoted law is part of the Flag Code which was ruled unconstitutional and is therefore unenforceable. It's treated as an aspirational guideline by many, but you'll note if you read the whole thing that it prohibits the use of the flag in any commercial endeavors. No magnets, clothing, decals, patches, or paper plates, just to name a few. So clearly America and its flag code parted ways some time ago and it wasn't over issues of burning or hanging upside-down (which I can respect as an active act of political protest much more than I respect a bedazzled red-white-and-blue shirt-dress, honestly).

When i hear the national anthem, i stand up straight, remove any article on my head, and face the flag in silence. Thats how i was taught by my father, a war vet, who was taught by his father who also was a war vet. Growing up i never saw any vet. put his hand over his heart during the national anthem, in uniform or out of uniform. All of them stood at attention facing the flag in silence. It's only been recently that americans are placing their hand over their heart. Personally i have no problem with that. But i do have a problem with people saying im not patriotic because i dont. First, i would like to say that putting your hand over your heart makes the same amount of difference as putting a some change in a donation jar. Not MUCH. Being patriotic means doing what best for your county and its people. What i see is mind control. If i follow im patriotic, if i dont, them im not. Now remember my fellow american, being patriotic means having or expressing devotion to and vigorous support for one's country. So telling me "how to be patriotic" is not being patriotic, its being a jerk or dictator ( which one you prefer).

We could always go back to the original words for the tune. here are the first three verses - it's a drinking song.

To Anacreon in Heav'n, where he sat in full glee,
A few Sons of Harmony sent a petition;
That he their Inspirer and Patron wou'd be;
When this answer arrived from the Jolly Old Grecian;
"Voice, Fiddle, and Flute,
No longer be mute,
I'll lend you my name and inspire you to boot,
And besides I'll instruct you like me, to intwine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."

The news through Olympus immediately flew;
When Old Thunder pretended to give himself airs.
If these Mortals are suffered their scheme to pursue,
The Devil, a Goddess, will stay above stairs.
"Hark," already they cry,
"In transports of joy,
Away to the Sons of Anacreon we'll fly.
And besides I'll instruct you like me, to intwine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine.

The Yellow-Haired God and his nine lusty Maids,
From Helion's banks will incontinent flee,
Idalia will boast but of tenantless Shades,
And the bi-forked hill a mere desert will be.
My Thunder no fear on't,
Shall soon do it's errand,
And damme I'll swing the Ringleaders I warrant,
I'll trim the young dogs, for thus daring to twine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."

Anonymous wrote:Love the song? The song is getting old and become like just another cliche
It would be refreshing to recreate it a little. Maybe a new tune or change the order of the words or something

Really? I think Irving Berlin got it just right!