Protocol – Should Red Cross move to action while anthem is being played?

Some of the protocols accompanying the national anthem are well known, such as standing “at attention” when it is being sung or played.{{more}}

But others might not be as straightforward, like whether to clap after a live musical or vocal rendition of the anthem.

Others are trickier still, like what does a Red Cross volunteer do when someone needs assistance during the independence parade and the anthem begins when the volunteer is in the process of assisting that person.

And that is exactly what happened during the Independence Day parade at Victoria Park October 27.

The volunteer was close to where a nurse was sitting on the ground among the ranks at the parade, when the band began playing the anthem.

The volunteer made some tentative moves in the nurse’s direction, but seems to have decided to wait until the playing of the anthem was finished.

Meanwhile, the nurse remained on the ground, while her colleagues and others stood “at attention”.

But there might also be protocol about whether this reporter should have moved around to take photographs of the incident during the playing of the anthem. (kentonchance@searchlight.vc)