"Hey Music Lovers" (Sly & The Family Stone) ...
 

I guess that we have more music lovers here in my little state than in your big state.

http://briancain.com/blog/the-histor...ing-games.html

http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/tb/hist...nal_anthem.jsp

Rich, most of the HS teams in my area play 2 games a week, for each of 3 levels - sophomore, JV, and Varsity. The Nat'l Anthem is usually played or sung only at the Varsity games. Sometimes, when no one is available to sing the Anthem, the crowd recites the Pledge of Allegiance.
When I sing it, it takes about 70 seconds. So, 2 Men's Varsity games, 2 Women's Varsity games, is about 4 minutes. (You may note my reference to 168 hours in a week - 167 hours, and 56 minutes to discount the value of our freedom, our liberty, our society, as won and protected by our military.)
Oh, and I hope you have a peaceful Veterans' Day.

You'd have to ask those people . . .

Although you may see nothing special about the Nat'l Anthem for a sporting event, it is special, in and of itself. Having spent time in other countries, where the citizens have so few rights, and even less hope, the Nat'l Anthem is very special to me.
Perhaps those US citizens who discount the flag, in regards to scripted protocol have not been instructed. Perhaps they take all that we have in this great country for granted. Perhaps a few minutes of reverence for the flag, and our Nat'l Anthem would do them some good, in regards to their gratitude for this great country and all it affords us.
I hope you have had a peaceful Veterans' Day.

Thanks, Billy. I hope you've had a peaceful Veterans' Day.

My family and I thank you and all veterans for our freedom. We also thank your families. I'm certain you don't hear it enough.

P.s. I love the national Anthem...and God Bless America ...even in the 7th inning of the 7th game....

You can be upset with me about my point of view, but many people feel the same way by how they act during the National Anthem. It really only took on this special meaning after 9/11. There were many people that acted like it was a hassle based on their body language and it was not always practiced. I even remember early in my career where it was hit and miss who would even do the Anthem. There are better ways to show gratitude IMO than doing the Anthem. My dad was the Commander of a local VFW, I saw first hand real giving to those that did things for this country. And most that get so upset if you even take a position on a certain side of this, never do anything truly that will help veterans that shows real gratitude.

BTW, I had a great day. Thank you for asking. ;)

Peace

You miss the entire point.

Peace

Thanks, BigCat. And thanks to all our country's veterans and their families.

Opinion Versus Facts ...
 

I fully "get" your opinion. It's your facts that I have a problem with. If you had simply expressed an opinion, then I would have probably not decided to participate in this thread.

Thirteen Years ???
 

I may agree with you if you were discussing God Bless America (seventh inning stretch), but The Star Spangled Banner has had a special meaning for a lot longer than thirteen years.

https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.6080...9&pid=15.1&P=0

Also, for the record, I've been officiating for thirty-four years here in Connecticut, and The Star Spangled Banner has been played before 95% of the varsity games that I have officiated, or observed, over that period of time. That's a fact. I also understand that things may have been different where you grew up.