Thinking Outloud

Has the Star Spangled Banner lost its power? Does everybody honestly know what the Star Spangled Banner stands for?

I have observed many events throughout my playing/coaching careers and even recent observed activities. I am a avid sports fan, and there are always pet peeves that are noticeable to each individual.

The sports world has always had a sports etiquette to compare themselves to with the sport of golf setting the high bar.  Many people could learn a lot about etiquette by watching a golf tournament, even if you don’t like the sport of golf.

As a loyal United States citizen, I feel that when an American Flag is present, at a sporting event, when the national anthem will be sung everybody that is physically capable should stand in attention to the Flag that has allowed us to live the lives we live today. I have observed people that were handicapped to an extent that stand at attention and are truly proud.

Why are there some individuals that consider it less important of an announcement that the national anthem is going to be played or sang. I have seen students of America, young and old that tend to talk, sit and/or be disruptive during one of the best songs to ever be heard in any gymnasium or athletic field. It doesn't matter if it is Carl Lewis murdering the tune or Whitney Houston bringing tears to people's eyes with the beauty of her voice singing the national anthem. 

That isn’t even the most of it, as many individuals, must think it is too much effort to remove their hats/caps. There can be no logical reason or excuse for it.

I have been known to favor wearing a hat instead of maybe combing my hair, but in no instance have I ever considered not taking off my cover as it is asked before many sporting events that the national anthem is being played or sang. If I didn't remove my hat, it would be a kick in the face to all of my family members and friends that were military personnel.  

I am truly proud of my family members and every other person in this world that is fighting or has fought for the rights that we as Americans consider a privilege. 

The big picture is not always observed by all individuals. Demand and selfishness control many peoples lives that create a distraction from saluting the flag of our country. There are youngsters, that not yet know what the American flag symbolizes, but they will learn and be expected to display honor, until they are able to learn, this is excusable. 

There are people in this world that we currently live in that have lost the opportunity to stand on their own two feet and wish they had the opportunity to stand up and be proud of this great nation.

It doesn’t matter what song is blasted through the speakers or played by high school bands, the most powerful song is the last song played before every sporting event.

If you as a fan of sports or supporter of activities, observe unruly behavior during the playing of the national anthem, please stand up for what we as a nation believe in. 

On any given day, most people walk by a veteran or former member of the United States Armed Forces, that can and should be thanked for every sacrifice they made so that we are able to live free.

There are special holidays for recognition to be given to those that fought for our country, but there is never, ever overkill on thanking veterans and soldiers. Do remember that we, as Americans live in the “Land of the Free,” because of these people.  

Question of the Day: In what year was the three point line established in Nebraska High School Basketball?