Recently, I (a former Scouter) was at a local Scout Jamboree, (doing a flint-knapping demo) when the bugler played "To the Colors". I just had time to drop what I was doing, get to my feet, face the flagstaff, remove my headgear, and place my hand over my heart -- when the National Anthem started.
Sad to say, walking across the parade ground toward me (with their backs to the flag) were two women in Denmasters' uniforms -- yakking away and ignoring the ceremony. As they came abreast of me, in my best "drill sergeant" voice, (with the volume cranked 'way down) I barked, "Ladies! Honor the Flag!!!
In obvious confusion, they turned around, looked around to see what others were doing, and, finally, saluted. One just put her hand over her heart, and the other (realizing she was in uniform, I guess, rendered a sloppy Scout (not Cub) salute.
As soon as the Anthem was over, they took off like a shot. (Apparently, they feared that I intended to to give them a "dressing down" -- and, truthfully, the thought did cross my mind). '-}
Later that afternoon, they brought their Pack by to see my demo. I couldn't resist saying, "I hope you both are going to go home, read the Handbook, and give these boys a good lesson on proper Flag etiquette at your next meeting...")
Had I been seated near this reporterette, I could not have resisted growling, "On your feet!". And if she didn't stand, my next word certainly would not have been, "Lady"... :-{
I hate people like that.
I still have nightmares about screwing up a flag raising or lowering or folding or not having my "cover" or some other piece of my uniform out of kilter, or making a mis-step while on Color Guard, etc. And I've been out of the Army for nearly ten years now!
I'm glad there are still people like you in this world that take this stuff seriously. It's obviously burned into my brain for all time, LOL!
Keep up the good work. :)