Comments on: Why do we sing the National Anthem at sporting events?

By: Jordan

Jordan — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:57:46 +0000

You guys are all trolls.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 01:09:29 +0000

I found this article searching for some history on the issue. I was concerned when I started noticing high school football teams play the anthem about 15 min before the game when teams are still in the locker room. The crowd stops, the band plays, very well done – but no players? I thougth I might find something to encourage them to move thetime up and include the players (similar to the NFL. What I have read here amazes me. I wont doubt your citizenship or your right to it my friends but the fact that you cant stop and take a minute and think about those that have given their life for your ability to believe what you want, worship who you want and be free. At some point in time you must realize that freedom isnt free. You don’t owe those brave men and women a a dime, they want nothing from you – but get off your butt and if for no other reason give just a minute of thanks for those that allow you to live in piece – whatever that means to you. Lets be clear – there will be an anthem at the ball game folks, I would think you would want it to be from the United States? Where did all the Americans go… Signed – not angry, just disappointed in us…

By: Virginia

Virginia — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:58:58 +0000

I am confused, people talk about scaling back on using this song at games as if it is some sort of government regulation that needs to be repealed. As the post informed us, it is done by those orchestrating the event because it is popular. When it stops being popular I am sure they will stop. However, I happen to like traditions. Traditions are in place to teach the beliefs and values of one generation to the next. I enjoy traditions and the rich history behind them. They make life more rich and connect the past to the present. In a world were pop culture is king and fashion trends come and go with lighting speed, I appreciate that which has depth of meaning and lasting power.

By: Ranger J

Ranger J — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:02:46 +0000

I think it would be weird for a hockey player to be bumped from a Canadian team to an American team and back to a Canadian team, etc. Where would his allegiance lie? What would he be thinking about when he heard the anthem of his adoption country? I think he would always feel like he belongs to his country of origin. For example, even if Wayne Gretzky has lived in the States for decades, he still talks about Canada as his country.

By: painkiller

painkiller — Sun, 24 May 2009 00:22:00 +0000

Joanna, by your “logic” and im using that term loosely in your case; the statement you criticize is about indoctrination not band geeks in wool uniforms. You do not qualify for Quod erat demonstrandum and are hereby banished to Rhode Island for the rest of your miserable existence.

By: confused

confused — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 09:32:52 +0000

Wait, Bush is the one that started replacing Take Me Out to The Ballgame with God Bless America at sport events? What presidential act was that, must have missed it. Thought it was up to the stadium what they play when…

By: tiredofit

tiredofit — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:20:45 +0000

they have cheapened all things patriotic by having such a constant barrage of it. When they started replacing Take Me Out to The Ballgame with God Bless America I knew we had gone too far. It’s just more of Bush selling fear for a profit of his corporate buddies

By: KP

KP — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:02:10 +0000

I am fortunate enough to live in a city with a Major League Baseball team and I get to go to a few games each year. I have sung along with the anthem every game since 9/11 and still choke up every time… even 7 years later. I don’t support my country blindly, but I do enjoy the anthem with pride at each game I go to.

By: brogers

brogers — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:31:16 +0000

Good article. I’m glad someone made clear the history of this practice. It makes sense that in a time of war and in an era before truly mass media that this type of patriotic expression would develop in large gatherings. I guess what I fail to understand is what modern sporting events (with the exception of the Olympics) have to do with patriotism or love of country. Surely there are better ways to honor those who serve and better examples of the greatness American ideals than getting drunk and watching millionaires play a children’s game. This is coming from someone who both loves sports and is a proud American. I just don’t get the connection.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:33:38 +0000

I think we should keep the National Anthem at every sporting event! Its our love for our country, our freedom and supports our men and women that are in the service to protect us! Everyone should know the words and they SHOULD sing it along with what ever celebrity is named to sing it! Have you ever watched a Hockey game against a Canadian team? We (Americans) just stand there looking bored! And the Canadians are bursting with pride, singing as loud, and together as they can! Other countries are the same as the Canadians! I am embarrassed at times like those! I say sing it LOUD & sing it PROUD!!!