:lol: yeah–some of those “pats” always look mighty rough to me, what are they trying to do, knock the poor beasts down?
[QUOTE=Portia;3454941]
That’s why the announcer at the PBR always has to tell the audience to “stand, and remove cover, for our National Anthem.” ;)[/QUOTE]
I LOVE the PBR!!!
A shame Marchi didn’t ride as well at the World Cup as he normally does.
Oh, he is a hottie.
Pledge: Stand at attention, hand over heart
National Anthem: Stand at attention facing flag, men remove hats, women do not, no hand over heart.
Also have military in family.
In fact, I don’t LIKE when other people DO put their hands over their heart for the national anthem. But you don’t see me bitching about the fact that the other 3 of them did, do you? No.
It’s about how you feel more than anything else. People here SERIOUSLY need to get off their high horses. I don’t see YOU out there winning gold medals!
This thread is simply petty - because McLain did put his hand on his chest, somehow, with the flowers, hat and all - well, in the version I saw. People - come on - is it so fun slanging some poor guy who just helped win a gold medal for your country. Is it so fun being grammar police for a word that is very self-explanatory and harmless? It is a deliberate corruption - get it?
Sometimes I admit to coming on a BB and my friends look at me in disbelief that I spend time on it. Well, for threads like this they are right, but then I think of all the fun times, the genuine help, knowledge and comedy, sympathy and genuine people that make up the rest of the BB. Parts of it are better than tv.
If I were participating at the Olympics for my country, I would place my hand over my heart and be teary eyed during the playing of my national anthem…it would all come naturally. I am patriotic and not ashamed of it.
I could see why a lot of people in many countries would not feel that way about their country…most of them would give anything to immigrate here and enjoy what we have.
Goodness, much ado about nothing. He stood at attention with his lid off, that’s good enough for me.
But, talkin’ 'bout how etiquette and manners seem to be on their way to totally lost art- saluting the jury before beginning the round seems to be pretty much gone. I recognize the harnesses are a deterrent for the men, but there are acceptable equivalent efforts that could be made.
Like J Swan, I’m aghasted.
Once again, amazement. So, SR, you are saying that MW is not a patriot because he didn’t place his hand over his heart???
I JUST DON"T UNDERSTAND. Where is this mentality coming from. THIRTEEN PAGES. I’d say a fair guess would be that half of the people who’ve chimed in don’t even believe it’s a ‘requirement’!! So I just guess we are all commies.
Oh, yeah, and women and hats. I can’t recall ever there being a rule that they must, nevermind should. Have you EVER seen a female rider remove thier hat for the medal ??? I can’t recall a single time. And if one did, it’s her perogitive. There are different “rules” regarding hats for men vs. women. Like it is PERFECTLY acceptable for woment to wear hats indoors. It is NOT for men. Of course, nobody teaches that any more, but what ever, I give up. Or, men should remove gloves to shake hands, but women do not. Well, I do, but my gloves are usually too ‘horsey’ for words.
Fidgeting, talking, not paying attention, THAT IS DISRESPECTFUL. Not choosing not to put one’s hand over one’s heart. Next you’ll be telling me you must sing as well. I generally don’t. I spare my neighbors my poor singing voice, I’m sure they appreciate it.
Aghasted. It’s a COTHism you moron. There are plenty of them. Check the FAQ and get over yourself.
<Head explodes>
Maybe if I sign off, take a shower, go watch the rest of the gymnastics, this whole foolish thread will just put it’s hand over it’s heart and disappear.
I wasnt’ paying attention and I missed the beginning of a few rounds, is that not done any more?? That ain’t right. One can turn in the direction of the jury and give a nod.
Not EVEN going to scan thru this thread
But gotta’ say wrong song if one wants to be picky and did anyone notice where George’s right hand was?
Enjoy this time and don’t bring the spirit that this wonderful day has brought us all. Yes they’re not “our” medals, but they are in our hearts.
Now that I’ve put my two cents in (selfish or what?) I hope that this thread gets locked.
Blue is me…
not nicking pits, just don’t understand the ‘wrong song’ bit
notice I still have to sign off and take that shower. leaving now, promise.
You know, I think that’s the most “emotional” I’ve ever seen Mclain. I think he’s just a flattened affect kind of guy, that’s who he is. I saw him win at Devon and he looked totally blase. Look at his expression in the jumpoff, cool as a cucumber. I think that’s just who he is… but I thought I saw glistening eyes during that medal ceremony. :)
As someone who was there at the Olympic show jumping medal ceremony, knows McLain and felt the emotion that filled that stadium, I am appalled at this thread.
McLain was overcome with emotion as the team came into the ring. I have a photo of him looking adoringly at Sapphire as he got off to get on the podium. McLain puts his heart and soul into representing his country and this medal was a very emotional one for him. To suggest anything different is complete bunk and ridiculous beyond belief.
This thread, combined with the horrific thread about Amy Tryon after the eventing, is a complete embarassment. All of you really need to think about the fact that the people you’re talking about frequently do read these things, or at least hear about them.
[QUOTE=LexInVA;3453433]
Ah. Here is the law…
United States Code, 36 USC Sec. 301, states that during the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner” (United States National Anthem) when the flag is displayed, everyone except those in uniform should stand at attention while facing the flag with their right hand over their heart. Those in attendance who are not in uniform should remove any head wear with their right hand and hold it at their left shoulder, with their right hand held over their heart. Individuals in uniform should show the military salute during the first note of the anthem and stay in this position until the last note. If the flag is not displayed, people in attendance should face the music and respond as if the flag were present.[/QUOTE]
soo…my hat is in my right hand, and my right hand holds my hat at my left shoulder, and my right hand is also over my heart. So my heart better be in my left shoulder, or I better have two right hands, or I’m getting hauled off to lord-knows where for being unpatriotic?
patriotism is all very well, but anatomy comes first 
Did nobody see the photos or tv medal ceremony - He DID have his hand over his heart. This is ridiculous - who cares. Molly said it right. I’d look at Sapphire adoringly, too. She’s a darling and a star at the same time.
Pat posted:
Maybe if I sign off, take a shower, go watch the rest of the gymnastics, this whole foolish thread will just put it’s hand over it’s heart and disappear.
That’s " … this whole foolish thread will just put its hand over its heart and disappear"! 
It is sad that it is so easy for us to believe that someone would type something like that. I did get the sarcasm, but I’ve seen almost equally blatant things said in total seriousness.
Thank you all for teaching me that women don’t need to take off hats. Damn my husband making me bare my hat hair at baseball games.
Swimming in a sea of delusion… wow. Most people in other countries woud give anything to immigrate to the U.S.? From where did you pull this factoid? It’s embarrassing.
I know, I’m kinda sorry I wrote it. Sarcasm’s tricky on the web.
What Molly Sorge said. I am appalled at the mean-spirited nastiness that has infected this board (well, the Olympics and Eventing boards…) since the opening ceremonies on. I am honestly disgusted at some of you and what you choose to comment publicly on. Shame on you and your misplaced sense of righteousness.
Congratulations to all the equestrian competitors, as well as any other athlete who made it to the Olympics. I am in awe of you all, thank you for your inspiring efforts.
eye roll :lol:
So what if he didn’t put his hand over his heart?
Big deal.
He just won us another gold medal! And you’re looking to criticize? 
