I have noticed in recent years while attending patriotic events that many citizens, including some who were wearing hats and other items that identified them as veterans, apparently didn’t know what to do when the flag passed by or when the national anthem was played. I am certainly not questioning the patriotism of these folks. The fact that they came out for the events when they could have been doing something else speaks for that. I think they simply don’t understand.

Here is an abbreviated version of what to do:

All people present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other people present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.

Euell White

Florence