During the 7th inning stretch at the ball game tonight, we were directed to stand and remove our hats (the wife didn't recall hearing the latter, but agreed that many people did it, as well as some putting hand-over-heart) during the singing of God Bless America.

This is incorrect and needs to stop.

I'm not against playing the song, and I'm definitely a patriot. I'm don't even have a problem with individuals choosing to stand at attention and salute, heck, whatever they feel like saluting.

But telling people to do so is not the right thing to do.

I'm against the practice only because it confuses some already confused citizens that sometimes don't know what to do about honoring presented flags or the national anthem anyway.

That people may want to stand and salute, and that is one thing. That we've been directed to do so is completely another thing. It adds to the confusion and seemingly compels some people to incorrectly sneer at those of us who know better or choose differently.

We weren't likewise directed to honor anyone or show patriotism when Proud to be an American was played a few minutes later. What about Born in the USA or Living in America? What should we do if we hear American Idiot? Where should we draw that line?

How about at the proper part of the presentation of the flag, anthem, and pledge?

Similarly, during a recent parade, every time a flag passed there were people who hopped to their feet, again some removing their hats, and some putting hand-over-heart. Fine; salute if you want to, but it again isn't the rule, so don't get all judgy if you see others choosing not to join you.

There's some debate over the first-or-every flag in a parade, but really, the first flag is presenting the rest of the parade, which may contain additional flags. The first one is the presentation, the rest are additional. But, if you want to do that, hey, you're free to do it. Just don't knock someone for not doing it.

You don't get to give anyone the stink-eye or a rib for lesser patriotism if they don't join you. I guess that's the crux of my peeve.

Well, except for the first flag, of course, that should be leading the parade. Still, don't berate someone for doing it "wrong." Instead, encourage and educate.

Or when the flag is presented at the baseball game (any organized event, really). And when the national anthem is sung, or pledge of allegiance is recited.

And if you happen to be present for a ceremonial flag raising or lowering at the ends of a day. Not like when I slip my flag into its mount on the porch in the morning, or when I bring it in at night. Not so ceremonial, no attention or saluting required; we don't play the anthem or say the pledge.

But when appropriate, by all means, join in. Feel free to sing along with the anthem, and recite the pledge. Remove your hat (must for men, strongly encouraged for women). Face the presented flag (there may be others around...but there should only be one in presentation). Stand at attention, or at least stop milling about. Citizens should salute; military in uniform should, and any veteran can, give a proper military salute, otherwise put your right hand over your heart or hold your hat at your left shoulder with their your hand (kind of same effect). If you're not a citizen, as in a foreign national, you don't have to salute, but you should face the flag at attention, or at least with respectful stillness, as we should at your flag presented at your event.

Of course, being the land of the free, you're encouraged to do this, not required (well, unless you're in the military and in uniform...then these are rules and you must comply).

I'm all for it at the right time, and pretty much against it at the wrong times.

That's about much it. Not too hard to get right.

So for an easy rule, at the start of the event or parade, when the flag is presented and (possibly) the national anthem is sung or played (not always done in parades), do the remove your hat hat, stand at attention, and salute thing to show your patriotism.

The rest is just free people doing freedom things. Or not.

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