Paulina was unfamiliar with this custom, so she was taken by surprise when ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ started playing. Her video captures the moment the anthem fills the restaurant, creating an atmosphere where it feels as if time has frozen. Patrons around Paulina stood motionless, placing their right hands over their hearts, while she and her friend remained seated, enjoying their pancakes. In her post, Paulina humorously remarked, “This is definitely the most perilous situation I’ve ever encountered #godblessamerica #getout #illegal #whitepeoplethings.” The scene left viewers, especially those from outside the United States, in disbelief.
A TikTok user claiming to be from Australia commented, “What?? This is so strange. We typically hear our anthem during the Olympics and on ANZAC Day, and that’s about it.” Another user remarked, “In Spain, we rarely hear the national anthem, so this would definitely be quite unsettling for me.” One comment even likened the situation to a scene from a ‘horror movie.’ “Everyone rises as soon as the music starts, and you feel like the only one remaining seated,” they noted. While some Americans expressed discomfort with the video, the majority seized the chance to express their affection for the national anthem and their national pride.
A viewer remarked, “I can understand the risks involved here. Everyone is honoring the flag while completely ignoring you. How did you manage to get through that?” Following the video’s surge in popularity, Jeanene Paulino, the proprietor of Rainbow Oaks, confirmed her commitment to continuing the tradition. In an interview with Fox & Friends First, she expressed, “I come from a family of patriots, and I am excited to uphold this tradition. We have no intention of stopping.” She added, “I believe that taking a moment to appreciate the sacrifices made by the men and women who allow us to express our feelings is important. I wish she understood that her ability to voice her opinion is a direct result of those sacrifices.”
