One of my favorite columns to read is “Trading Paint” by Jerry Bonkowski at Yahoo! Sports. His insight into NASCAR is awesome. This week, another reader finally addresses a topic that is related to my NASCAR Pet Peeve.

As a proud service member of the United States Navy, it upsets me each week to see Delana Harvick never removing her hat during the national anthem before the race, yet I never hear anybody talk or write about it. Maybe if someone finally says something about it, she will understand the importance of removing her hat and paying respect to the many men and women throughout the years who have fought and died so that we as a great nation can be free, and able to have such a wonderful sport such as NASCAR.

Corey Roth
Memphis, Tenn.

Finally. Someone else is noticing the lack of respect to our country, our soldiers, and our flag. I think Jerry’s response is a little “dismissive” but I do agree with his last point.

While I have not noticed Delana fail to take her hat off, Corey, it has long been accepted in society that unlike with men, women typically do not take off whatever they’re wearing upon their heads. A good example is in church, where women have their colorful headgear and typically leave it on throughout the ceremony, yet are not acting disrespectful in any way. I don’t think Delana is intentionally disrespecting our fighting forces, but hopefully this may make her reassess what she does in the future. I do know that Delana and Kevin are big supporters of the armed forces – Kevin even drives a Busch car sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard – so I don’t think any harm is meant. Helloooo, Delana?

I don’t think Delana Harvick, or anyone else who fails to show the proper respect to our country, our soldiers, and our flag, mean any harm. But they do. Without realizing it, they are undermining our country, the memories of those who have died while protecting it, those who currently protect it, and the flag that flies over it.

According to Title 36, Subtitle I, Part A, Chapter 3, Section 301:

§ 301. National anthem

     (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) 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

          (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.

So, NASCAR, what’s the story? Why do you all feel like you don’t need to show our flag the same respect the rest of us do? I’m waiting…

Technorati Tags: NASCAR, Trading Paint, U.S. Flag, National Anthem, Pet Peeve, U.S. Code

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