General Discussion

DrDan

(20,411 posts)

75. great post - from another vet

Wed Jul 1, 2015, 07:29 AM

Jul 2015

We lived abroad for 10 years in the ME, Africa and Europe. I formed a greater appreciation for the U.S. during those times. Do I think we are #1 (USA USA and all that) - no. Every country has its good and its bad. But I am proud of being an American (and fully understand and recognize pride held by others for their countries.)

I think a lot feel they are "cool" to bypass any form of patriotism - like a "look at how liberal I am" kind of thing.

I can understand not wanting to pledge allegiance to a flag - a piece of cloth, (even though it has become a somewhat superficial explanation to me these days.)

Yeah - I stand, take off my hat if wearing one, place my hand over my heart, remain solemn for a few moments.

Ashamed of some of our leaders - but not our Country.

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Do you put your hand over your heart during the National Anthem? [View all] Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2015 OP

Only when I had to in school. Not since. NRaleighLiberal Jun 2015 #1

I stopped after school also. NOLALady Jul 2015 #81

Me, too. No blind patriotism here. nruthie Jul 2015 #86

I never heard of doing this in school. Cassidy1 Jul 2015 #143

No. And Ronald Reagan began that practice. You don't see any presidents doing it roguevalley Jul 2015 #183

pre Reagan, it was enough to stand Warpy Jul 2015 #227

Makes no sense. Why do I need to hold my heart to sing an old war song? immoderate Jul 2015 #231

Stopped in the 1970's GoneOffShore Jun 2015 #2

Yeah, the 60's did it for me... haikugal Jun 2015 #4

Me too, after the Time-Life photos of the My Lai massacre were published. Laffy Kat Jun 2015 #15

Same here. MuseRider Jul 2015 #182

Same with baseball games! Laffy Kat Jul 2015 #185

Sure. I'll sing the anthem too. Snobblevitch Jun 2015 #3

It's not "undemocratic"... Contrary1 Jun 2015 #27

Why? Snobblevitch Jul 2015 #57

Nothing at all to do with whether it is democratic. Ms. Toad Jun 2015 #50

Huh? Snobblevitch Jul 2015 #56

Ok, here's how I feel about it... Contrary1 Jul 2015 #59

Read my post again. Snobblevitch Jul 2015 #62

"Under God" was added to the Pledge in 1954... Human101948 Jul 2015 #67

You are not alone-it is a relief to know I am not the only one Stargazer99 Jul 2015 #156

I'm terribly sorry you had to go through that. I DO feel the same about the pledge and the anthem. BlueJazz Jul 2015 #230

Outrageous. I also don't blame you. closeupready Jul 2015 #239

As I said, it is a glorification of war (as the U.S. was fighting off an attack). Ms. Toad Jul 2015 #60

Methinks you and I would get along fabulously! Contrary1 Jul 2015 #61

Snobblevitch wrote: Cassidy1 Jul 2015 #145

You need to re-read my post. Snobblevitch Jul 2015 #160

No, I don't need to reread it. Cassidy1 Jul 2015 #165

Without the Revolutionary War Snobblevitch Jul 2015 #167

Events in 1960's changed everything for me. That's the context which continues today 2banon Jul 2015 #208

When I was a kid we celebrated Snobblevitch Jul 2015 #210

Good Ole' Red White and Blue.. 2banon Jul 2015 #213

I don't know how much romance there will be... Snobblevitch Jul 2015 #216

How do you see that? cwydro Jul 2015 #70

I was in France last year and our tour bus stopped at a restaurant somewhere on our CTyankee Jul 2015 #91

Isn't that a nice memory? I'm not sure if they still do this, but closeupready Jul 2015 #240

Read the lyrics. Ms. Toad Jul 2015 #132

It is un-Progressive. ncjustice80 Jul 2015 #68

Really? TeddyR Jul 2015 #71

Post removed Post removed Jul 2015 #152

Showing respect for the flag and the anthem Snobblevitch Jul 2015 #97

Not putting your hand over Cassidy1 Jul 2015 #153

I never claimed otherwise. Snobblevitch Jul 2015 #161

I never said you claimed it. Cassidy1 Jul 2015 #166

Then you probably should not have posted it as a reply to my post. Snobblevitch Jul 2015 #172

HA! I am SOOOOO over everything! I don't watch baseball so I became ill... WhaTHellsgoingonhere Jun 2015 #5

What? thought they've been play GBA for a century? or may just NYC. nt Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2015 #21

Wut? Everyone for a century sings "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" WhaTHellsgoingonhere Jun 2015 #28

duh. wow..I think must have had Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2015 #43

I hate it so much, I always head to the bathroom for the 7th inning stretch. alarimer Jul 2015 #77

Really? Cassidy1 Jul 2015 #146

Yes, you are not to leave your seat unless there is a break in the action. alarimer Jul 2015 #171

yes Skittles Jun 2015 #6

Indeed Sgt! Glassunion Jun 2015 #10

So the antics/crimes of Bush and us killing people not affect your thinking at all? Not Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2015 #23

The "antics/crimes of Bush and us killing people" TeddyR Jul 2015 #72

agree 100% NM_Birder Jul 2015 #94

I agree 100% leftynyc Jul 2015 #98

+1 Glassunion Jul 2015 #188

I never have Peregrine Jun 2015 #7

That's what I was taught in school. Mister Ed Jun 2015 #13

That is what I was taught too. nt Live and Learn Jun 2015 #40

I think those are the rules. immoderate Jul 2015 #103

Taught the same. DawgHouse Jul 2015 #119

I do. while I think the patriotic ritual and obligatory "yay troops!" is pretty petronius Jun 2015 #8

The military actually pays the NFL Cassidy1 Jul 2015 #148

Sorry, visceral reaction because we lost our mind after 9/11... WhaTHellsgoingonhere Jun 2015 #9

? Skittles Jun 2015 #12

As have I, Skittles, and I salute you for it. 11 Bravo Jul 2015 #126

when I lived in England, I stood when they played God Save the Queen Skittles Jul 2015 #137

It's a matter of respect, and honoring an ideal pinboy3niner Jul 2015 #144

CORRECT Skittles Jul 2015 #149

+1 DashOneBravo Jul 2015 #217

No. It's not necessary... ms liberty Jun 2015 #11

Uh, no. Never have. NV Whino Jun 2015 #14

just curious...why? I find myself at big events where I am the only one not. nt Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2015 #24

It was never expected when I was a kid NV Whino Jul 2015 #89

I am the president of the Marana Democratic club and the Sunflower Democratic Club OffWithTheirHeads Jun 2015 #16

Perhaps you can take a different perspective CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #211

No. That's not something I ever did. City Lights Jun 2015 #17

I usually just stand, and feel a little uncomfortable at that. Alkene Jun 2015 #18

Embarrassing armpit stains? jberryhill Jun 2015 #30

No bigwillq Jun 2015 #19

Sometimes....other times no. Just depends on if I'm wearing a hat or not. ileus Jun 2015 #20

yes.. Liberal_in_LA Jun 2015 #22

Nope. And why the hell is the anthem played at sporting events? Arugula Latte Jun 2015 #25

Yep. The whole thing is creeptacular in 2015. HughBeaumont Jul 2015 #117

I do shenmue Jun 2015 #26

No. Never have Spirochete Jun 2015 #29

No. Not for a long time now. pscot Jun 2015 #31

I will stand at attention...at least no slouching GP6971 Jun 2015 #32

No; I sing. elleng Jun 2015 #33

Post removed Post removed May 2016 #242

The American fascination with the Anthem and the pledge are signs of fascism. guillaumeb Jun 2015 #34

What fascination? leftynyc Jul 2015 #100

My point was the obsession with symbolic demonstrations of patriotism. guillaumeb Jul 2015 #121

of course I do grasswire Jun 2015 #35

Yes. Stand up, hat (if any) off, hand over heart. nt kelly1mm Jun 2015 #36

people put too much value on symbolism particularly conservatives. craigmatic Jun 2015 #37

I won't even stand up. Luminous Animal Jun 2015 #38

wow very ballsy n t Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2015 #44

In my case, it is very ovaries-y. I stopped standing when I was 12 years old to protest the Viet Nam Luminous Animal Jun 2015 #46

I applaud you. you must be stronger than Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2015 #48

I do. 840high Jun 2015 #39

I always place my hand over my heart. dem in texas Jun 2015 #41

I don't equate it to the brave people Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2015 #47

YES ! olddots Jun 2015 #42

Yes. Only time I didn't was when I was in Uniform. Then, I saluted. nt stevenleser Jun 2015 #45

Same. linuxman Jul 2015 #63

Nope. Ms. Toad Jun 2015 #49

Without fail, whenever I hear the anthem played, my mind will wander to this... Contrary1 Jul 2015 #58

Are We Democrats Not True Americans? CajunBlazer Jun 2015 #51

This is an outstanding post TeddyR Jul 2015 #73

great post - from another vet DrDan Jul 2015 #75

Same here DashOneBravo Jul 2015 #218

I Stopped Doing It In the Early 70's ProfessorGAC Jul 2015 #78

Really? CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #113

Your Cites Are Reinforcing My Opinion ProfessorGAC Jul 2015 #122

Gestures are only meaningless... CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #155

No, that is not the section in question. Cassidy1 Jul 2015 #164

Oh, it's a law alright.... CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #170

It does not include enforcement provisions. johnkramer Jul 2015 #176

You are absolutely right CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #194

Sorry, no hand over the heart, jingo jango for me. Darb Jul 2015 #92

Please see my reply in Post #113 n/t CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #115

Great post leftynyc Jul 2015 #102

Bush was just the impetus - As long as our country is killing innocents ) I will not Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2015 #139

I think this is a good point. Cassidy1 Jul 2015 #150

I quit years ago SCantiGOP Jun 2015 #52

I never stopped. I'm not a "fair-weather" type of person in any respect. cherokeeprogressive Jul 2015 #53

I like that sentiment nil desperandum Jul 2015 #96

Drops mic..walks off stage. Inkfreak Jul 2015 #133

I'll never understand the dropped mic thing! lol n/t cherokeeprogressive Jul 2015 #135

I don't for the pledge either & have become your friends with other non hand over heart people too. uppityperson Jul 2015 #54

Stopped saluting in 1965. Tierra_y_Libertad Jul 2015 #55

No. Grey Jul 2015 #64

I never have. Blue_In_AK Jul 2015 #65

I'm usually grabbing another beer. PeteSelman Jul 2015 #66

Do you put your hand over your heart during the National Anthem? Hayduke Bomgarte Jul 2015 #69

People would think I was weird if I did that... Violet_Crumble Jul 2015 #74

No. I Don't ProfessorGAC Jul 2015 #76

always n/t chillfactor Jul 2015 #79

Mostly no. alarimer Jul 2015 #80

I fold my arms and put on my grouchy face Man from Pickens Jul 2015 #82

I bet you're fun at Christmas. tavernier Jul 2015 #125

I can be, for the right price Man from Pickens Jul 2015 #159

omg roflmao Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2015 #224

Yes, and feel totally guilty if I don't when the flag passes by in the Memorial Day parade. woodsprite Jul 2015 #83

Nah, but I didn't do it to be cool The2ndWheel Jul 2015 #84

I'm a veteran; I stand at attention. Half-Century Man Jul 2015 #85

According to the flag code...... CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #112

That's a relatively recent change (October 2008) pinboy3niner Jul 2015 #124

I'm not sure if it is a recent change or not.... CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #169

Same Here DustyJoe Jul 2015 #205

Perhaps it's time to rewrite the Pledge. GoneOffShore Jul 2015 #87

No. LWolf Jul 2015 #88

Yes, absolutely . nt clarice Jul 2015 #90

absolutely, .......also take your hat off, .....sing it or be quiet. NM_Birder Jul 2015 #93

Great post! Texasgal Jul 2015 #187

Excellent Post! CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #195

"I didn't know that some believe that hatred of our country is a prerequisite Contrary1 Jul 2015 #199

Maybe "hatred" is too strong a word CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #200

Yeah TeddyR Jul 2015 #209

- 1 Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2015 #223

Bah bye again. You are not a dem and not liberal - don't think this is really Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2015 #222

Well, you don't know what you don't know... CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #226

Wow. No, don't know you. All any of us can judge by are the comments you have made Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2015 #235

Bah bye Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2015 #220

- 1 Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2015 #219

Great post A--Number 1 nt Freelancer Jul 2015 #232

Yes, I do davidpdx Jul 2015 #95

I stand at the position of attention (like I did when I was in the army) Victor_c3 Jul 2015 #99

Same here. In the Corps they told us to stand at attention in civvies Recursion Jul 2015 #107

I do the same. nt hack89 Jul 2015 #109

Nope Kelvin Mace Jul 2015 #101

I put mine over someone else's heart jberryhill Jul 2015 #104

Yep. raouldukelives Jul 2015 #105

In the military I got in the habit of standing in attention and never went back to hand over heart Recursion Jul 2015 #106

I have a beer in one hand and hotdog in the other NightWatcher Jul 2015 #108

Nope. Not sure that I ever have. Iggo Jul 2015 #110

Right hand over heart, hat in left hand. Throd Jul 2015 #111

Never have...no reason to start, or stop Horse with no Name Jul 2015 #114

I do. NCTraveler Jul 2015 #116

I stand respectfully, hat off if necessary, and that's about it. HughBeaumont Jul 2015 #118

Not if it's on TV. KamaAina Jul 2015 #120

Now that's funny !!! KA Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2015 #140

Yes, in public. tavernier Jul 2015 #123

The only time I've actually heard anyone sing it, Jamastiene Jul 2015 #127

+1 Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2015 #141

Yes. tymorial Jul 2015 #128

NO. Hands at small of my back. benld74 Jul 2015 #129

No. AngryOldDem Jul 2015 #130

Nope, i just stand n/t shanti Jul 2015 #131

Yea, it doesn't bug me. (nt) Inkfreak Jul 2015 #134

Not usually asturias31 Jul 2015 #136

Very well said! n/t CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #157

Yes. hay rick Jul 2015 #138

Sometimes I Do Liberal_Dog Jul 2015 #142

If I'm watching on TV, Jamaal510 Jul 2015 #147

Some People Give Me Grief, But I Have To Say... ChiciB1 Jul 2015 #151

I would not give you grief. Cassidy1 Jul 2015 #154

Thanks, Many I Know Disagree... ChiciB1 Jul 2015 #174

Let down by whom? CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #158

The country is not providing you the right to sit. Cassidy1 Jul 2015 #162

I think we are parsing words here CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #173

That is not the meaning of the word parsing. johnkramer Jul 2015 #181

You need to spend some time with some good histrory books CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #191

You need to spend some time with good common sense. johnkramer Jul 2015 #193

It is obvious you haven't read my post CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #196

If I did not read it, then I would have not been able to point out the logical fallacies. johnkramer Jul 2015 #198

Give me a break please CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #201

It's a good thing that the British and Russians did not cave like you. johnkramer Jul 2015 #206

One more time only CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #214

I understand that there a times when you have to fight. johnkramer Jul 2015 #215

The Imperial Japanese didn't even take Hawaii when they had the chance Art_from_Ark Jul 2015 #197

I agree.... CajunBlazer Jul 2015 #202

There Ya Go... n/t ChiciB1 Jul 2015 #175

I do not. lovemydog Jul 2015 #163

No B Calm Jul 2015 #168

No. And I've stopped singing as well. mnhtnbb Jul 2015 #177

I will stand but not sing, not pledge, no hand over heart. Paper Roses Jul 2015 #178

How can the star spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free... iscooterliberally Jul 2015 #179

But sitting doesn't change that. Freelancer Jul 2015 #233

No, sitting doesn't change anything. iscooterliberally Jul 2015 #237

I generally stand at attention snpsmom Jul 2015 #180

No. I was taught to do it during the pledge, then take it down when singing the anthem. ancianita Jul 2015 #184

No. Boomerproud Jul 2015 #186

true dat B Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2015 #225

Yes. Yes indeed. Glassunion Jul 2015 #189

When Ice Cube sings nilesobek Jul 2015 #190

No, and can't remember when I stopped. mountain grammy Jul 2015 #192

Nope. If I say the pledge, and as an adult it's only been a couple of brewens Jul 2015 #203

Flag etiquette Beartracks Jul 2015 #204

No I don't. i stopped in 1968. 2banon Jul 2015 #207

No I don't IVoteDFL Jul 2015 #212

Yes, and also during the Pledge. ladyVet Jul 2015 #221

No, I stand at attention tularetom Jul 2015 #228

No... malokvale77 Jul 2015 #229

This message was self-deleted by its author Freelancer Jul 2015 #234

"And yes, if I knew you, I would think less of you from then on" is the Laura PourMeADrink Jul 2015 #236

This message was self-deleted by its author Freelancer Jul 2015 #238

Message auto-removed Name removed May 2016 #241

I can't remember the last time I attended anything where it was played. tanyev May 2016 #243

Surely surely if you live in Texas?? they have prayers before cake sales nt Laura PourMeADrink May 2016 #244