Honors To The National Anthem
or
"To The Colors"

Francis Scott Keyes' "The Star Spangled Banner" became our national anthem on 3 March 1931. There are several versions of the words and music but Congress has not adopted a single version.

Outdoors

When in uniform, come to attention, face the flag (or band if flag isn't visible) and salute. If the music is recorded and no flag is visible, face front and salute. In civilian or athletic clothes, do the same thing except hold your right hand over your heart. Maintain salute until the last note of music. Vehicles in motion are brought to a halt. Everyone, including the driver, remains seated at attention. These marks of respect are also shown to the national anthem of any friendly country when played upon official occasions.

Indoors

When the national anthem is played indoors at a formal gathering, you stand at attention and face the flag if it is present, otherwise, face the music. You do not salute unless under arms. In civilian or athletic clothes, stand at attention with your right hand over your heart. Remember the above applies when the music is live and does not apply to broadcast music, such as radio or TV.