A lot of people (not necessarily Rotarians) simply don’t know the proper conduct when the national anthem is played. According to the revised Flag Code passed in 1985 by the 99th Congress, the right hand over the heart is standard procedure for all Americans.

When paying respect to the Flag of the United States of America when should you place your hand over your heart?

There are two occurrences when to place your hand over your heart. First, when the National Anthem is played, the Star Spanged Banner, and second when saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

What is the hand over the heart flag etiquette?

The Salute

To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal hand salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart.

Submitted by Don Deatrick