National Anthem

[oldestlion]

In June, lmutex asked for a "specific incident" when disrespect was shown to the National Anthem and fanblade wrote that he "never noticed disrespectful antics." Was last night a sufficient example?

The student section took a big step last night toward showing respect when they actually sang several words, in great voice, but couldn't hang in and avoid the shouts before it was finished.

All they have to do now is sing the whole anthem with respect and THEN erupt into a roar that continues into player introductions and the game itself.

The potential is there to set a precedent for everyone coming to Gersten to enjoy. Let's take the next step.

[lambdachi1988lion]

I don't think cheering when the Anthem hits the Land of the Free is disrepect. I think its just us students showing American pride. I know every MLB and NBA game the same thing has happened in my experience.

[lionboy]

I thought last night was the best rendition I have ever heard of the National Anthem is Gersten. I hope we can keep it going throughout the season. The crowd sang and yelled at the times when one is supposed to yell. Awesome start to last night's game.

[fanblade]

I was not inside the Pavilion yet for the national anthem during the ND game.

[lmutex]

"...actually sang several words, in great voice, but couldn't hang in and avoid the shouts before it was finished."

I think Simon Cowell employed a similar tone when criticizing David Archuleta.

[cager]

I can't help but chime in here. From my seats in the Alumni section, I didn't see the students as being disrespectful toward the National Anthem at all. The singer was obviously having a hard time hitting a few notes, and instead of sitting there watching her fall in front of a large audience, they joined in to help her along. And I have not yet witnessed a sporting event where the crowd does not cheer during or after "Land of the Free," and during or after "Brave." Has anyone?

[oldestlion]

The National Anthem was written, and has previously been sung, as a tribute to our country and as a reminder of its hard-earned freedom, paid for in the lives and blood of many of my contempories so that the youth of the past several generations can go to the college of their choice without government interference.

It is unfortunate that so many, who have done so little to preserve this freedom, take something so fundamental for granted. For someone who is currently an LMU student or alum to use the excuse that we should do it because someone else does is the absolutely wrong rationale. Why should the way the National Anthem is sung at a sporting event be any different than at a ceremony honoring our nation's dead?

Perhaps if we scattered a platoon of my vet buddies among the student section during the singing of the National Anthem, you might get the picture.

[lmutex]

It seems we're at polar opposites here oldestlion, although I agree that its a shame that we take liberty (and our liberties) for granted.

Maybe one thing we can both agree on, oldestlion, is that requiring to sing the national anthem before each game has altered/watered down its meaning, so much so that the crowd simply drones the words, or in some cases, right or not, bellow them out to bring energy to it. This, in part, offends those who deserve to be honored, and creates a source of friction between the two parties (i.e. the honorees vs. the honorers).

In which case, maybe a moment of silence, especially during wartime, would make more of an appreciable impact for both sides.

Or maybe I'm being too abstract.

[oldestlion]

Good points, Tex and not too abstract at all.

Perhaps we should not sing, remaining silent during the anthem while the vocalist or recording was doing the job and then break out into as much noise as anyone could want at the end. At least, that would neither dishonor the anthem nor offend anyone who feels they are being forced into singing. If we did sing, let those who want to sing go ahead and sing, uninterrupted by noise until the finish, and have those who did not want to sing remain silent throughout the anthem.

If we can't do that, let's have the moment of silence you suggest.
Following my own logic, why should we have the anthem just because others do it?

[oldestlion]

Great job Saturday night, Lions fans. I guess I have to concede the hollering during the "...o'er the land of the free..." because we feel we should do it because everyone else does, but a great deal of respect was present. Now, if we just get everyone who wants to sing to lift their voices.....

[lambdachi1988lion]

Check this out oldestlion
www.toreronation.com/topic.php?id=455

[oldestlion]

Wow - are we tame, by comparison, or what?