Posted on 10/31/2017 12:19:39 PM PDT by kathsua
Should those of us who are watching sports events on television stand along with the people in the stadium and possibly join in the singing when someone performs our national anthem?
How many of us make a quick trip to the kitchen when the tv sports event announcer asks everyone to stand for the national anthem? How many of us have come to think of the performing of the "Star Spangled Banner" as just a part of the show for us to watch, but not to participate in?
I'm wondering if those of us who treat the playing of the national anthem as just part of the show are really much different from the NFL kneelers. The national anthem played before the start of a sports event isn't just the national anthem of the people in the stadium. It's our national anthem as well.
Many of us already participate in some television programs. Many of us cheer along with the people in the stands when a player on our team makes an outstanding offensive or defensive play. We may sing along when someone sings one of our favorite songs.
Although the national anthem is called "The Star Spangle Banner" it isn't about the flag itself, but what the appearance of the flag flying over Ft. McHenry symbolized. When Francis Scott Key saw the flag that morning he knew the men in Ft. McHenry had refused to be intimidated by the British bombardment of the fort.
An audience may give an entertainer a standing ovation for an outstanding performance. Standing for the national anthem is the equivalent of a standing ovation for those who died defending Fr McHenry and in other battles including the recent deaths in Niger. Performing music is a greater tribute than clapping hands.
We should all join in giving a tribute to our fallen heroes when someone performs our national anthem.
Say What Now?
I can see how The Star Spangled Banner may be appropriate in honoring our fallen heroes. But it goes way beyond that.
I would argue that it is time to quit playing this anthem before sporting events. Except it would be conceding defeat to our enemies.
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There are times that I cannot stand, grand-baby on lap, but I normally stand, hand over heart and sing. (actually I can’t sing, but I do anyway!) Yes, as I have done for 61, years, as my parents told me in respect for our great country! Now when family visits, they know I do and they also show respect. My older grandson told me they do it at home too, I believe him as that was how I raised my children!!
Has the Star Spangled Banner always been the US national anthem?
There was a beautiful scene in one of the last episodes of Downton Abbey, where the family had gathered around a radio in the parlor at the foot of the grand staircase to hear an address by the King concerning the onset of World War 2. They were all sitting around in their lovely day clothes on straight chairs. The radio crackled on, and you heard the first notes of the British national anthem. The face of the crusty old dowager grandmother (Maggie Smith) suddenly sprang to attention; she grasped her cane and stood up. The louche members of succeeding generations looked at her oddly for a moment, then got to their feet.
If anyone of you lives close by other neighbors who are likely to be watching football, open a window and sing along loudly!
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