Would You Have Said Something?

[Tango Yankee]

One thing that tends to surprise (US) civilians is that (US) military do not recite the Pledge of Allegiance when in uniform. If outside and the Pledge is being said we stand at attention, face the flag, and salute but remain silent. If indoors, we stand at attention and remain silent.

As my TI observed, the uniform showed we'd already sworn an oath that was much deeper and much more binding than the Plege of Allegiance.

Cheers,
Tom

PS I have had words with Guardsmen in uniform who ignored the singing of the National Anthem on the National Mall on Veteran's Day back in the '80s. I know they were Guardsmen because that was the excuse they gave for not rendering the proper courtesies--it didn't occur to them to do so. I daresay Guardsmen these days know better.

 

[Bluebird Marsha]

Part of the problem(?), is that most people have very little experience with actual oaths. The Pledge is as close as most come, and therefore it seems to be as impressive as things get. Oaths of enlistment or commissioning are considerably more specific as to what the individual is promising to do. On a side note, the Air Force Thunderbirds were here in town a couple of weeks ago. Their CO gave a new batch of Air Force enlistees their oath. Quite nice, both for the kids and the audience. Unfortunately, I've reached the age where most new military recruits look far too young to enlist. I have to fight an impulse to pat 'em on the head, and send them home with a beer and a cookie.

Yes, Guardsmen know better, at least as of the early 90's. And I suspect your bunch of doofusses knew better also.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Talking of the US allegiance arcana (very strange to a European), and the potential lack of knowledge amongst many Americans, reminds me of the Simpson's episode where Apu is trying to get his citizenship or green card (don't recall which).

Interrogator: "What was the cause of the civil war?"

Apu: "Well, Sir, there are many complex social and economic reason …"

Interrogator: "Just say slavery"

Apu: "Slavery it is, Sir!"

 

[Feraud]

^ Right!

 

[Kitty_Sheridan]

I'm British and when I visited the states many years ago I felt uncomfortable being asked to 'pledge allegiance'. I'm not American, but I respect that people feel that they can do it.

I get very, very cross however when people talk or disrespect the silence during parades and here in England last month I left some Policemen and even modern soldiers in no uncertain terms what I thought of their rudeness to some WW2 veterans-they talked, laughed and joked (and smoked!!!!!) all the way through it.

The only thing I'd say in defence of journo, is that often become a little de-sensitised to situations and view everything as 'work'. Not an excuse, but I know a fair few hacks and they can be somewhat 'detached'

 

[Effingham]

I'm British and when I visited the states many years ago I felt uncomfortable being asked to 'pledge allegiance'. I'm not American, but I respect that people feel that they can do it.

I get very, very cross however when people talk or disrespect the silence during parades and here in England last month I left some Policemen and even modern soldiers in no uncertain terms what I thought of their rudeness to some WW2 veterans-they talked, laughed and joked (and smoked!!!!!) all the way through it.

Yeah, but how do you feel about American politicos who try to read off a canned toast during a live playing of "God Save the Queen" and not having the sense to shut up?

 

[AmateisGal]

Yeah, but how do you feel about American politicos who try to read off a canned toast during a live playing of "God Save the Queen" and not having the sense to shut up?

In the interest of keeping this thread open, no comment.

 

[MikeBravo]

I haven't seen the full incident. Who started first, the President or the anthem?

If the music started by accident after he had started speaking, then they should have turned it off and let Obama finish his toast, he is the visiting dignitary isn't he?

 

[SGT Rocket]

Yeah, but how do you feel about American politicos who try to read off a canned toast during a live playing of "God Save the Queen" and not having the sense to shut up?

Ohhhh, that was painful to watch... no comment here too.

 

[scottyrocks]

Not being courteous is the issue, plain and simple for me.

When I am in a house of worship that is not of my own religion, I am quiet and respectful during the service, even if I say or chasnt nothing. This is simply because I was brought up to be respectful. Often, being quiet and doing nothing but looking like you're paying atention, is part of this. It's what you do to show courtesy for celebrated beliefs that may not be your own. You don't have to participate, but at least look like you're paying attention.

I know the op's situation does not involve a house of worship, but I think the analogy is similar.

 

[Feraud]

I'm British and when I visited the states many years ago I felt uncomfortable being asked to 'pledge allegiance'.

In what context were you asked to pledge? It seems a very stupid thing to ask a non-American to pledge allegiance.

 

[Edward]

I haven't seen the full incident. Who started first, the President or the anthem?

If the music started by accident after he had started speaking, then they should have turned it off and let Obama finish his toast, he is the visiting dignitary isn't he?

My understanding based on the reports I have read is that Obama was speaking first, the band came in believing him to have finished, and they both carried on. Nobody over here is bothered about it - to be honest, I have only even seen it mention is US press, specifically US press with an editorial line that does not approve of the Obama administration.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I thought the toast actually worked quite well. It's not like it was a blaring brass band where he had to talk louder to be heard.

Does anyone remember the Day Today episode where they played a spoof "Everything's OK" times of national crisis telecast?

Wabznasm!! We know that Conflict will always perish in the Brotherhood of Flags.

[video=youtube;KWkTQvlnDTI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWkTQvlnDTI[/video]

 

[LizzieMaine]

Of course, when that particular tune is played most Americans think it's "My Country Tis Of Thee" anyway. We always used to fidget when they played it after the morning flag salute.