Unless I'm mistaken, it's not protocol to place the hand over the heart during the Anthem. During the Pledge, yes, but not during the Anthem.
As best I can recall, a man wearing a hat removes it and covers his heart with it. But, not so with the hand.
I may be wrong but, that's how I understand it.
Yes it's protocol to place your hand over your heart during the National Anthem, FYI you're supposed to remove your hat if you're wearing one.
Not acknowleging the playing of the Anthem by standing with your hands by your sides or shuffling your feet and looking like your're bored became fashionable with libs as a way to "protest" the "oppression" the American Flag stands for and "all it reppresents".
RonJr. will always be ballerina boy...nothing more nothing less.
If I am correct the National Anthem is played only when a flag is present. The flag was draped on the casket therefore they should have placed their right hand on their heart as it was being played.
My daughter was in ROTC for 4 years and my husband in the military for 7. They both say you ARE supposed to put your hand over your heart during the anthem.