Why do some people not stand with their hand over their hearts when the honor guard passes by during a parade?

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sun, 11 May 2014 22:59:38 -0400

I was raised to stand with my hand over my heart, when the first color/ honor guard holding the flag passes by me. It seems that some people just ignore this tradition and simply just stand and walk around as if nothing important is going on or they sit there in chairs.

I have seen older military veterans in wheelchairs stand up (with or without assistance) and salute with pride when the honor guard passes by them on the street.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 3:31 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 May 2014 03:31:26 -0400

I was lucky enough to be brought up the same way you do. I think the lack of patriotism people show then the flag passes by has to do with our society going away from saying the Pledge of alledgience so they think its okay not to show respect to the flag.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 5 at 2015 2:07 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 14:07:32 -0500

It's a cultural thing. Our culture has forgotten how to show respect for our nation's symbols.

As for me, when the honor guard passes, I whip out that salute. Veterans and out-of-uniform service members have been authorized to do so since 2008.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 14 at 2015 9:54 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 21:54:09 -0400

I don't want to blame it on society changing, but there have been shifts. Things like the Pledge, and sports games shifting to more televised than live.

The younger generation just doesn't understand national symbols at all, because they weren't raised with them in the same way.

Response by 1SG Jason Smith made Mar 17 at 2015 11:58 AM

1SG Jason Smith — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 11:58:43 -0400

It is about education. When I was growing up I was taught to revere and respect the flag. I was taught to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning at the begining of school. Most schools do not do this anymore because it might offend someones beliefs or sensabilities. I for one pray in public, honor the flag and the country it represents and will make sure in my little corner of the world that my children will do the same.

Response by SSgt June Worden made Mar 17 at 2015 1:54 PM

SSgt June Worden — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 13:54:48 -0400

My friends chuckle when I stand at attention as the National Anthem is played/sung on television for sporting events... I don't let it bother me! Of course none are veterans either.