2017 US Code
Title 36 - Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations
Subtitle I - Patriotic and National Observances and Ceremonies
Part A - Observances and Ceremonies
Chapter 3 - National Anthem, Motto, Floral Emblem, March, and Tree
Sec. 301 - National anthem

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Citation 36 U.S.C. § 301 (2017)
Section Name §301. National anthem
Section Text

(a) Designation.—The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.

(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.

Source Credit

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1263; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §595, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4475.)

Editorial Notes
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
301(a) 36:170. Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 436, 46 Stat. 1508.
301(b) 36:171. June 22, 1942, ch. 435, §6, 56 Stat. 380; Dec. 22, 1942, ch. 806, §6, 56 Stat. 1077; July 7, 1976, Pub. L. 94–344, §1(18), 90 Stat. 812.
AMENDMENTS

2008—Subsec. (b)(1)(A) to (C). Pub. L. 110–417 added subpars. (A) to (C) and struck out former subpars. (A) to (C) which read as follows:

"(A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;

"(B) men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and

"(C) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and".

Publication Title United States Code, 2012 Edition, Supplement 5, Title 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND ORGANIZATIONS
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND ORGANIZATIONS
Subtitle I - Patriotic and National Observances and Ceremonies
Part A - Observances and Ceremonies
CHAPTER 3 - NATIONAL ANTHEM, MOTTO, FLORAL EMBLEM, MARCH, AND TREE
Sec. 301 - National anthem
Contains section 301
Date 2017
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 12, 2018
Positive Law Yes
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 46 Stat. 1508
56 Stat. 380, 1077
90 Stat. 812
112 Stat. 1263
122 Stat. 4475
Public Law References Public Law 94-344, Public Law 105-225, Public Law 110-417
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