Respect

This is not an article about the Aretha Franklin song, although that is a great song. This is an article about the lack of respect for our national anthem. As you know I enjoy attending live sporting events. It is a tradition to play or sing the “Star Spangled Banner”before a game. That song deserves respect and should be treated that way. I don’t appreciate it when someone takes so much liberty with it that you can’t recognize the tune or understand their “interpretation” of the lyrics. Just sing or play the song and let us reflect on its meaning. We are able to attend a ballgame because we live in the land of the free.

To my dismay, some have decided to express “fan loyalty” during the anthem. The first time I observed this practice was in Baltimore. Many in the crowd yell “O” to honor the Orioles. Lately people in the Metroplex have began to yell “Stars” to honor the local hockey team. Recently,some have begun to shout out to the Dallas Maverick rookie by screaming along with “Flag(g)”. When I attended games in Atlanta they didn’t yell “Braves” at the end of the song, but they may have started it now. And I’ve never attended a Houston Rockets game (and wouldn’t unless I was a kidnapping victim), but I wouldn’t be surprised if their fans shouted out “Rockets”. I appreciate fan loyalty as much as anyone, but there is a better way to express it than during the presentation of our national anthem.

Sadly, some don’t even appear to notice the song is playing. They just go on walking to their seats or getting their concessions or talking or laughing. So I have a request for you. The next time you’re at a ballgame or anywhere else the “Star Spangled Banner” is playing, please stop whatever else you’re doing. Put your hand over your heart and be grateful for a few minutes for the sacrifices others have made for you.

That’s one man’s opinion - what’s yours?