I am 51 years old and was taught to place my hand over my heart for the pledge only. What bothers me about this article is that you say it is Law, it is not law..it is public policy and nothing more.Pubic policy is not the law...the Constitution is the only law. Many people do not place thier hands over thier hearts for either, I for one, am one of those...I do not worship anything but my creator. According to the first amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. As such...how can there possibly be a "Law" forcing anyone to do either?Please take the time to learn the difference between Public policy and law...before you go misleading the people of this country with your apparent ignorance of the LAW....or is it just another way to perpetuate the myth and continue to Dumb down the American People?

Here, here, Joe Republican! This photo was circulated by E-mail about a month ago. When I viewed the video, it also shows that John Edwards didn't have his hand over his heart. I wonder how many of you "posters" have been to stadiums when hundreds of people are watching a sports game. Please notice that MOST of the attendees DO NOT place their right hand over their heart. Is it a crime? NO

Well said. I think this should not be a matter of "law", remember this is America, not Nazi Germany, we have the freedom to honor the flag as we choose. I find this argument to be frivolous and redundant. I think a patriot should be judged by his/her charachter and not their hand gestures.

FLAG LAWS AND REGULATIONS

The laws relating to the flag of the United States of America are found in detail in the United States Code. Title 4, Chapter 1 pertains to the flag and seal, seat of Government and the States; Title 18, Chapter 33 pertains to crimes and criminal procedures; Title 36, Chapter 10 pertains to patriotic customs and observances. These laws were supplemented by Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations.

Title 36, Chapter 10 PATRIOTIC CUSTOMS

§171. National anthem; Star-Spangled Banner, conduct during playing

During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.

§172. Pledge of Allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

This says law. And I also only worship God but that doesn't mean that the country that allows me to do this in my own way, on my own time, in the house of worship of my choice doesn't deserve respect, loyalty and my love.

Again please take note: This is US "CODE". not "LAW". Maybe a few trips to the library of your town,( a little bit of reading while you're there) will help you to know the difference between the two. May I suggest "Blacks' Law Dictionary"...and maybe the U.C.C. in particular U.C.C 1-103 and U.C.C. 1- 207...educate yourself...it is the difference between Freedom and Slavery. Many judges have stated....."Ignorance of the Law is no excuse"...Try finding out exactly what the law is...you might be suprised at what you find.

involves themselves in every day...

It's CODE...not law....and it's broken constantly by uber patriots.

Please take note of the key word throughout the"Code" ...the word "Should". This implies that it would be nice if you did it....it does not however say "required"....again...Code...n­ot law. While I agree that we should honor that which we believe in, each living being on the planet has certain unalienable rights given to them by thier creator, and among them is right right to "honor" in any way you so desire, so long as you do not infringe upon the rights of others. Please read more thoroughly...spend some time at the library and on the internet to educate yourself more thoroughly (this is not to say you are stupid, just that you don't have the whole picture... yet).