Did you know this law existed?

However, this statutory suggestion does not have any penalty associated with violations. 36 U.S.C. § 301 This behavioral requirement for the national anthem is subject to the same First Amendment controversies that surround the Pledge of Allegiance.[19] For example, Jehovah's Witnesses do not stand for or sing the national anthem.[20][21][22]


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner

http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/36C3.txt

[div class='code'](b) Conduct During Playing. - During a rendition of the national
anthem -
(1) when the flag is displayed -
(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at
the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until
the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present
but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner
provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand
at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not
in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with
their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand
being over the heart; and

(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face
toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the
flag were displayed.

as precatory language - it's a suggestion, not something that is legally required or obligatory. For that reason there are no penalties associated with disobeying it.

(shh...don't tell....but I am often turned AWAY from the flag whispering/giggling to my wife during particularly horrendous local versions of the tune!)

You should also eat your vegetables.

But there is no criminal penalty if you fail to do so.

....on religious grounds....my religion forbids idol worship....

When I lived in Seattle I'd go to Mariner's games there was a period of time during *'s administration I'd sit for the anthem. As it turns out I'm now a federal criminal on the loose!

Funny how the article says there is a law "mandating" this behavior, when the very word they omitted at the beginning is the word "should".

"Shall" is mandatory.

"Should" is voluntary.

The person who wrote the article is either dishonest or illiterate.

Was at first punishable but now not punishable as I read the details:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code