This is news to me, as I was taught that while hand-over-heart was appropriate for the pledge, it wasn't for the banner. Of course, I was taught that (way before 2006) in the early 80's in Anchorage where we also said the Canadian pledge every morning. Still haven't figured that one out.....The United States Code, a permanent book of U.S. laws effective as of Jan. 3, 2006, is very specific about what to do during the Pledge of Allegiance and the playing of the national anthem.
Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 4 of the code:
"The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag -- should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any nonreligious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute."
Title 36, Subtitle I, Chapter 3:
"During a rendition of the national anthem, when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart; men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed."
P.S. The Olympic arrangement grew on me throughout the ceremonies, and I actually kind of came to enjoy it by the last day or so.
