How Other Countries Show Respect to Their National Anthem

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered all cinema halls across the country to play the National Anthem before the screening of a movie.

Reportedly, the court has also asked the theatre owners to flash the national flag on the screen while the National Anthem is being played.

Here is how some other countries show respect to their national anthem.

United States

In the US, the convention is that whenever the national anthem is being played, all individuals should stand at attention with the right hand over their hearts. If the National Flag is not present at the occasion, they have to face the source of the National Anthem. But the country does not discipline people for not following this.

Mexico

The country’s Law of the Coat of Arms, Flag, and National Anthem mandates all schools and universities to honour the flag on Monday mornings, at the beginning and end of school terms which involves a pledge and the National Anthem. Further, many schools in the country also expect children to wear a different uniform on Monday, generally all white, out of respect for the flag and anthem. Teachers walk around to check whether the children are actually singing.

Italy

Italians are not publically big on their National Anthem as it is not played in any public places except during sporting events, formal state ceremonies and at public rallies attended by the President. No one is required to sing along nor are mandated to behave in any particular way. They are required, however, to stand and show respect to any national anthem.

Thailand

The Thai have taken thing further than the Mexicans. They play the National Anthem every day on television at 8 am and 6 pm. Students are all supposed to assemble in front of the National Flag at 8 am and sing the National Anthem. It is also played in government offices and movie theatres regularly. But Ii is an unofficial convention. The country does not have an official law regarding its National Anthem.

Japan

In India’s neighbourhood, the Japanese passed a law officially established their national flag and anthem in 1999. The Act on National Flag and Anthem made no provisions for usage or treatment. Local area representatives are free to make their own regulations. This is probably a result of the country being uncomfortable with overt displays of nationalism since World War II.