Protocols

[bunyip]

Watching the news today and our Prime Minister arrived in Washington, they played the National Anthem for Aus then USA and our PM stood at attention whilst USA dignitaries put their right hand over their heart, it is not something we do at home but I wonder should he have when they played your National Anthem.
Just curious as to if this was a breach of protocol or just each to their own ways and I am sure no disrespect was intended.

 

[Racenut]

Hand over the heart represents your allegiance to the flag. They aren´t American, so no allegiance there. So just standing in courtesy and respect is fine and dandy.

 

[RNeumann]

It’s all good. Same thing happens at the olympics. Australia is one, or I believe the, oldest USA ally. I’m sure that is still in good shape

 

[Aquamoose]

Simply standing, looking at the flag while the anthem is playing denotes respect by any visitor. Your PM did fine. I hope he finds his visit pleasant!

 

[RandyT]

Your PM showed more respect than some of our so called US citizens do.

 

[Diggin It]

I thoroughly despise indoctrination and 'expected' gestures.

One of the reasons (among many) that I stopped going to ball games and most public ceremonies. You try to tell me when to stand, where to look, or where to put my hand, you're as likely as not to get the one finger salute. Freedom means just that, not compliance.

I decided it was time to outprocess when a TechSgt said something I didn't like and I told him to his face to F-off. Luckily he wasn't the type to pursue the matter.

I basically laughed every time I saw a group of troops stop and do the armraise to someone or something simply because they had been indoctrinated to do so out of fear of reprisal. One of my first acts as President would be to order the Joint Chiefs to abolish that rule.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I thoroughly despise indoctrination and 'expected' gestures.

One of the reasons (among many) that I stopped going to ball games and most public ceremonies. You try to tell me when to stand, where to look, or where to put my hand, you're as likely as not to get the one finger salute. Freedom means just that, not compliance.

I decided it was time to outprocess when a TechSgt said something I didn't like and I told him to his face to F-off. Luckily he wasn't the type to pursue the matter.

I basically laughed every time I saw a group of troops stop and do the armraise to someone or something simply because they had been indoctrinated to do so out of fear of reprisal. One of my first acts as President would be to order the Joint Chiefs to abolish that rule.

Like they say, a difference of opinion is what makes a horse race. I proudly stand for the National Anthem; place my hand over my heart and sometimes even shed a tear. I love my country and appreciate the sacrifices made by past generations, but I also appreciate the freedoms we enjoy, and even though I have nothing but contempt for an individual who kneels during the National Anthem, I am proud that they have, and can exercise, that right.

 

[bunyip]

Times have changed, I remember in my youth that when a film ended at the cinema they played the anthem and everyone stood and did not leave until it finished, now it's just a scramble for the door.
Anyway you answered my question with the hand over the heart, it was funny watching his US escort put her hand over her heart then take it away when she looked at the PM, she was a bit bewildered, confused and probably embarrassed, like I said it is not something we do but I was thinking along the lines of 'when in Rome'.
Incidentally the PM's plane is called the Grey Shark and bears an RAAF logo as well as a coat of arms, plain light grey Airbus I think it is.
Carries the PM, journalists and an entourage of 'Noddies' (they always stand around a leader nodding when they speak).
He was off to meet Donald later in the evening.

 

[ovrszd]

I thoroughly despise indoctrination and 'expected' gestures.

One of the reasons (among many) that I stopped going to ball games and most public ceremonies. You try to tell me when to stand, where to look, or where to put my hand, you're as likely as not to get the one finger salute. Freedom means just that, not compliance.

I decided it was time to outprocess when a TechSgt said something I didn't like and I told him to his face to F-off. Luckily he wasn't the type to pursue the matter.

I basically laughed every time I saw a group of troops stop and do the armraise to someone or something simply because they had been indoctrinated to do so out of fear of reprisal. One of my first acts as President would be to order the Joint Chiefs to abolish that rule.

Only thing wrong with your rant is that you think everyone else should follow your misguided lead.

I think it was a wise decision for you to remove yourself.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I thoroughly despise indoctrination and 'expected' gestures.

One of the reasons (among many) that I stopped going to ball games and most public ceremonies. You try to tell me when to stand, where to look, or where to put my hand, you're as likely as not to get the one finger salute. Freedom means just that, not compliance.

I decided it was time to outprocess when a TechSgt said something I didn't like and I told him to his face to F-off. Luckily he wasn't the type to pursue the matter.

I basically laughed every time I saw a group of troops stop and do the armraise to someone or something simply because they had been indoctrinated to do so out of fear of reprisal. One of my first acts as President would be to order the Joint Chiefs to abolish that rule.

Just remember you are saluting the rank and position not the man/woman. Without protocol, traditions, courtesies, and the discipline that comes with it you have nothing but a mob. Witness what is happening on our streets today.

I was both enlisted and officer over 33 years. I treated my men with the same courtesy I expected from them.

For those reasons I am still a proponent of the draft and universal government service.

Ron