Cleveland Cavaliers refuses to respect the National Anthem

[Rob1968]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Then why don't people do all the other things that honor the flag or follow protocol? If you do not know those things, then yes it is silly.

There is nothing special about the National Anthem for a sporting contest. We only started this practice in the last 50 years or so. And it was not done at every sporting event until probably the last 30 years.

Again, it is after all my opinion.

Peace

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.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Rob1968

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.

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

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

National Anthem ... It really only took on this special meaning after 9/11.

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.



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.