As a civilian, I was taught to place my hand over my heart for the Pledge, but to stand at attention with my hat off for the Anthem. As far as I know, there has never been any protocol requiring that one place his hand over his heart during the Anthem.
Further, I was taught not to applaud at the conclusion of the Anthem.
It’s was not about the performer, at least in those (better) days.
Same here ... but I do have one problem with the National Anthem. When it's over, I still have to resist shouting "Beat Army" ...
Color us ultra patriotic but Mrs Clamper and I stand at attention hand over heart in our living room if the anthem is played on a TV game.
Somehow, I think, it's become confused with the Pledge. Both involve the flag. And I think it's true that people become inured to traditions to the point where they don't know when, where and how the traditions originated, or why they're observed.