Standing for the National Anthem

[sam_gordon]

When you're watching a televised sporting event from a location OTHER than the stadium, do you stand when the National Anthem is played.

I understand not every broadcast sporting event includes the National Anthem, just referring to those events that do broadcast it.

 

[Moliphino]

On TV, no.

 

[pens4821]

Never stand when it’s on tv. I’ve been at bars and out and about where when the anthem is played people will be quiet and I will do the same if others are. I won’t ask others to do so. If I’m at home I go about what I’m doing (whether it be talking or up and about or just sitting there quietly).

 

[Buzz Rules]

When you're watching a televised sporting event from a location OTHER than the stadium, do you stand when the National Anthem is played.

I understand not every broadcast sporting event includes the National Anthem, just referring to those events that do broadcast it.

Yes. I do it when I'm at home, watching sports on TV. I have many ancestors who have fought for the USA, and I feel it's the least I can do to honor them (it's just a personal thing. I don't judge anyone who doesn't).

 

[slo]

No….but I should, we actually all should - IMO.

 

[HeatherC]

Not on TV, but absolutely when it is played anywhere that I am at.

 

[nw6675]

Not on TV. Retired military family here. In person, yes.

 

[mamamary]

No

 

[BrianL]

I usually don't if it's on TV. I might if I am in a big group and they are doing it. If in person though, always.

 

[dvcgirl67]

No, never in my home but yes when in a stadium/arena setting. I'd feel a little nuts doing that alone in my house...lol.

 

[NotUrsula]

Honestly, it never occurred to me to do so. I was taught that the etiquette was to stand in the *presence* of the Flag while the anthem plays, and if you are seeing it on TV I don't think that applies.

There has been a bit of controversy lately about restaurants playing the national anthem at certain times of day with the expectation that all diners will stop eating and stand while it plays. I get why it might fit with the restaurant's business mission, but it's a bit odd to expect it. Not every person who walks into a restaurant on a given day is going to be an American.

 

[sam_gordon]

Not every person who walks into a restaurant on a given day is going to be an American.

That brings up a related question... aren't you supposed to stand when another nation's anthem is played (or remain standing)? Not just soccer, let's look at Olympics.

 

[Buzz Rules]

That brings up a related question... aren't you supposed to stand when another nation's anthem is played (or remain standing)? Not just soccer, let's look at Olympics.

In theory yes.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Not on TV. Retired military family here. In person, yes.

Thank you for your family's service.

 

[NotUrsula]

That brings up a related question... aren't you supposed to stand when another nation's anthem is played (or remain standing)? Not just soccer, let's look at Olympics.

Well, the Olympics is kind of a special case, because while only one anthem is played, three flags are raised. More often than not, at least at the Summer Games, one of them is the US flag, which makes the point moot.

Americans are rather unique in their veneration of their national flag; most other countries (not counting dictatorships) don't have such etiquette rules around sporting events, and don't play anthems except at international matches.

 

[antmaril]

I answered yes, but I misread the question. I always stand for the National Anthem, but not when it’s on tv.

 

[dvcgirl67]

That brings up a related question... aren't you supposed to stand when another nation's anthem is played (or remain standing)? Not just soccer, let's look at Olympics.

Yes, I believe you stand at competitions between nations. I guess for those listening to our National Anthem from another nation....they may stand but not put their hand over their heart as some Americans do. I personally don't do that, but do stand for the anthem.

Speaking of all of this "between nations stuff", have you caught the matches at Wimbledon between the Ukrainian woman and the player from Belarus. The Ukrainian player, who won the match and is now in the finals....would not shake the player's hand from Belarus. It's been interesting to think about it. Her justification is obviously that Belarus is with Russia in an unjust invasion causing the death of many thousands of her countrymen. I suppose if these players are going to represent their country in some manner....they'll have to deal with the consequences of what their leaders are doing.

The Ukrainian player went on to defeat a player from Poland, who wore the Ukrainian flag on her in solidarity.....she got a handshake and a hug when the match was over.

 

[georgina]

Nope, never considered it.

 

[_19disnA]

If watching it on TV at home never thought there was any expectation to stand. If attending in person would stand.

 

[tvguy]

I don't stand when it is on TV. But other than the AllStar Game, World Series and Superbowl, most TV coverage of sports covers the National Anthem with commercials.