Tradition, Respect and a Blurry Line In Frederick County

With Independence Day Celebrations taking place throughout the week, WFMD hit the streets of Frederick asking citizens if they found it disrespectful to avoid holding their hand across their heart when the Star Spangled Banner is played.

Local Frederick County residents like Kaitlin Holsinger shared their opinions

“I don’t think so as long as they are standing,” said Holsinger.

Randy Wickson from Frederick, Maryland thinks there’s different factors involved.

“…It just depends on the situation. Sometimes, being an old military guy, I will go into attention instead of doing that.” said Wickson.

For some like Frederick County resident, Haley Ridelle it’s more about showing respect by paying attention.

“I don’t think I would find it terribly disrespectful unless they were chewing gum and looking around and fiddling with their hat or something like that, obviously not paying attention; but you can stand in a respectful way I think.” Said Ridelle.

Frederick’s very own Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner in 1814 as he watched an American victory in Baltimore at Fort McHenry.