Hat off, hand over heart, please

Published 4:00 pm Friday, March 25, 2016

“The Star-Spangled Banner” has been recognized as the U.S. national anthem since 1931. U.S. Code Section 301 addresses the proper etiquette for U.S. citizens to follow when the anthem plays.

The Flag Code, adopted first in 1923, requires those who are not members of the Armed Forces or veterans to face the flag and stand with a hand over their heart. Men in these crowds are told to remove hats or other headwear with their right hands and place them over their left shoulders.

I take special notice watching football games, that many players do not follow this code. On the upside, Russell Wilson always does.

Diane Guildner

Everett