Honoring Veterans Day, Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and his Fox NFL Sunday teammates took part in a special broadcast from Naval Base San Diego on November 10, 2024 Celebrated annually by Fox Sports, the event honors the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for their commitment and selflessness. The event was supposed to honor military service with the seven-man team standing alongside troops. But the day took an unanticipated turn when viewers objected to Strahan’s position during the national anthem.

From a post dated November 11, 2024 | Source: X/OneTreePhotos/, a fan remarks on how Michael Strahan performed the national anthem during an event honoring Veterans Day.

Strahan stood with his team as The Star-Spangled Banner was performed over the loudspeakers, hands over their hearts in the traditional sign of respect. But Strahan stood with his arms sloppily folded in front of him, setting up an internet firestorm. Critics expressed their indignation right once, charging the former NFL player of disrespecting the soldiers during a day meant for honors.

Quick to voice their displeasure at Strahan’s posture, viewers turned to social media to call him out.

“Why couldn’t Michaelstrahan put his hand over his heart during the US Navy Band playing the National Anthem?” one said.

Another said, “Disgusting!” Disrespectful! Reflecting the opinion of many who felt his posture unsuitable for the event. Some were more harsh in their criticism, one viewer marking the star directly: “@michaelstrahan Discreet. You ought to feel guilty.

Others insisted immediate action; some even urged his firing. “Fire @ Michael Stuart-Han.” So disrespectful!! One user boldly posted. Another accused Strahan of purposefully omitting the move, adding, “Someone should ask @michaelstrahan why he doesn’t place his hand over his heart during our national anthem?” That’s a rhetorical query. The solution is known to me already.

Among the reaction, not everyone agreed with the critique. Some viewers rallied to Strahan’s rescue, claiming that his posture was polite even if it deviated from the customary hand-over-heart gesture.

“Why cannot individuals simply go about their business? He is standing in respect. Relax, one of the supporters said. “Hand over heart for the Pledge of Allegiance, not necessary for the Anthem if you’re standing quietly,” another noted the subtleties of procedure.

Others focused on the official courteous behavior during the national anthem. U.S. flag rules state that people should stand at attention facing the flag using their right hand over their heart. Although Strahan’s arms-fold posture was not the traditional gesture, it was strictly within polite etiquette. But many onlookers, used to the hand-over-heart gesture, saw his pose as a departure from protocol and became offended.

Notwithstanding the criticism, Strahan decided not to confront the debate head-on. Rather, he chose to Instagram to pay a moving homage to veterans, therefore highlighting his great admiration of their efforts.

“We owe all veterans and active duty men who bravely risk their lives to daily defend us. Beyond measure, your unassuming service is Along with the message was a picture of his father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr., a 23-year U.S. Army veteran proudly belonging to the 82nd Airborne Division.

“Just as I respect my father, I keep all of you in my thoughts every and daily as without you we would not have the safety and liberties we so value. Thank you, Strahan said, stressing his appreciation for those who serve.

Although many people connected with Strahan’s homage, it did not help to silence the criticism from those who felt his attitude throughout the anthem unacceptable. The debate underscores the larger difference over what qualifies as appropriate respect at patriotic events, especially in well reported environments.

On November 10, 2014, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia, new citizens listen to the national anthem during a naturalizing event | Source: Getty Images.

Some find the conventional hand-over-heart gesture to be non-negotiable, signifying the greatest reverence for the flag, the anthem, and the country. For others, like Strahan did, carefully and politely standing is also rather important. The episode emphasizes the conflict between personal expression and society expectations during symbolic events.

Strahan’s honor of his father and veterans reminds us of his long-standing admiration of the military and its sacrifices. Being a prominent person, he has often shown his thanks for those who serve, thereby clarifying his goals in spite of the divided opinions on his activities.

Even if his stance during the anthem is debatable, Strahan’s thanks and recognition of his father’s service continue to be potent. In a message that goes beyond the reaction, Strahan recognized all veterans and active-duty service members in addition to his father, reminding everyone of the actual meaning of the day: thanksgiving for those who guard the liberties we value.

Was Michael Strahan’s behavior during the national anthem respectable in its own right or did it violate norms? Is this criticism justified, or do individuals seem to be overdosing? Share your ideas down below.