Some actually DID cover their hearts, some actually kept their eyes on the Grand Old Flag during the playing, some actually kept a respectful countenance and some DID try not to look completely bored with the whole minute or so extracted from their busy lives.
It's NOT a generational thing......their instructors, coaches and parents should have (and may have) educated them long, long ago on Anthem protocol and good manners. These athletes have been on podiums before.....and not ALL of them are teen-age yutes.
Leni
‘....their instructors, coaches and parents should have (and may have) educated them long, long ago on Anthem protocol and good manners....’
Agree. It was very iritating to watch some of the U.S. gold medal winners who did not place their hands over their hearts when our Anthem was played. These athletes are representing the United States of America and they should be required to show respect for our country, our flag and our Anthem. I presume they receive, at least, some funding or housing paid for by donations by Americans. They surely deserve to be happy and proud of their personal accomplishments but they NEED to remember they are representing the U.S. and should show some respect .....and patriotism would be nice but this, sadly, seems to be ‘passe’ these days.
One of the athletes didn’t place his hand over his heart but he also barely looked at our beautiful flag......he didn’t look happy to hear the anthem and looked at the ground most of the time the anthem was played.....if he’s not proud of the U.S. then he should not be representing our great nation.
I agree that Shaun White and his air guitar was the worst.
I don’t think they have to sing along, just behave respectfully.