Before every game here at Quinnipiac (and I’m sure elsewhere too), fans are told to be respectful of the players, coaches, officials and spectators of the game. But one of the biggest things left out is to be respectful for the country.
The national anthem is played before every single home game, regardless of the sport, and it is the most patriotic part of every game. It serves as a reminder that we have a strong sense of nationalism in our country and that we still have troops serving overseas, risking their lives for our country.
And there are people who don’t understand that for some bizarre reason.
Fans who yell during the national anthem are some of the worst fans on earth. We play this song to honor our country and those who have protected it. They have fought for your freedom to come to the game, and ultimately your freedom to yell during the national anthem … but don’t. You’re missing the point if you do.
It upsets me as an American that people decide to yell “WOOOO!” or “Let’s go Bobcats!” during the song. It’s disrespectful to the country and rude to the person singing it. I feel sorry for anyone who sings it and is interrupted by some belligerent fan who thinks it’s a good idea to get his or her voice heard before a crowd of possibly thousands of people.
Newsflash: it’s not. Interrupting the national anthem gives the country a bad image and makes you look stupid.
Granted, a few people screaming in the middle of the song is nothing compared to the Montreal Canadian fans booing the national anthem before Game 7 of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2008, but it doesn’t make it any better. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, then YouTube it. You’ll be shocked at how classless some of those fans can be. (If you’re a Bruins fan, you might already know, but that’s another story).
I love it when the softball team practices during the beginning of a soccer game and the national anthem plays. Why? Because every single person on the softball field stops what they are doing, stands up, faces the flag and respects the country. It makes me proud to be an American.
I’m not saying to be quiet during the national anthem – that’s out of respect. If you want to sing along to it, that’s perfect in my book. I love that even more. I think it shows that you support this country even more so.
It really touches me whenever a police officer or security guard stands during the national anthem and salutes the American flag for the duration of the song. Nothing is more perfect than that.
But on the contrary, if you’re going to be that person that disturbs everyone, please do us all a favor and shut up.
Better yet, sing along to it. At least you’ll be showing some respect for your country.
