On November 10, 2024, the 52-year-old Hall of Famer celebrated Veterans Day at the San Diego Naval Base with the rest of his “Fox NFL Sunday” crew.
When fans saw Michael Strahan standing with his arms folded in front of him as the national anthem was playing, they accused him of being disrespectful.
The event was televised by Fox, and as the national anthem sounded over the loudspeakers, the seven-member “Fox NFL Sunday” crew was joined by many uniformed servicemen.
As “The Star-Spangled Banner” played, Strahan stood alongside six guys, all of whom had their hands over their hearts. But when Strahan crossed his arms in front of him, it caused a stir on social media.
In a show intended to honor the men and women of the armed services, viewers expressed strong feelings about Michael Strahan’s action, believing it especially disrespectful to the anthem and the military.
One person asked, “Why couldn’t Michael Strahan put his hand over his heart during the US Navy Band playing the National Anthem?” Another called it “disgusting! Disrespectful!”
A fan tagged the host directly, writing, “@michaelstrahan Disrespectful. You should be ashamed.” Another went further, saying, “Fire @michaelstrahan So disrespectful!!”
One viewer emphatically added, “Fire Strahan !!” Some questioned his actions with skepticism: “Someone should ask @michaelstrahan why he doesn’t place his hand over his heart during our national anthem? It’s a rhetorical question. I already know the answer.”
Yet others defended him, “Why can’t people just mind their business? He’s standing respectfully. Relax.” Another user clarified, “Hand over heart for the Pledge of Allegiance; not necessary for the Anthem if you’re standing quietly.”
Protocols specify how individuals are expected to observe flag ceremonies, such as when the flag is hoisted, lowered, or paraded. The military salute is expected of those in uniform. Veterans and members of the armed forces who are not in uniform may also choose to salute.
Strahan and other civilians should face the flag, stand at attention, and cover their hearts with their right hand. The civilians should take off their hats with their right hand while holding them over their hearts if they are wearing them.
As is customary for civilians, Strahan stood with dignity during the anthem. It is not, however, the conventional hand-over-heart move that some viewers were expecting.
As much as these viewers accused him of being disrespectful, Strahan went on to celebrate veterans on his Instagram page after the event. “Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day. Your selfless service is beyond measure,” he wrote alongside a picture of his father.
His father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr., was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division and served in the United States Army for 23 years, according to his post.
“Just as I honor my father, I keep all of you in my thoughts each and every day, as we would not have the safety and freedoms we cherish without you. Thank you,” Strahan added, his message underscoring his deep respect for their sacrifices.
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