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National Anthem

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Kobuk:
In the last several weeks, there's been an increasing amount of people, especially among sports, who have elected NOT to stand and put their hand over their chest when the U.S. National Anthem is sung for various reasons. Some of which are religious, while others are in protest over Police actions against blacks, and there are still more various reasons. The latest incident that I read on the news is here:
http://www.tmj4.com/news/national/kate-upton-calls-dolphins-national-anthem-protest-a-disgrace


--- Quote ---In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom. Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed. Recent history has shown that it is a place where anyone no matter what race or gender has the potential to become President of the United States. We live in the most special place in the world and should be thankful. After the song is over, I would encourage everyone to please use the podium they have, stand up for their beliefs, and make America a better place. The rebuilding of Battery Park and the Freedom Tower demonstrates that amazing things can be done in this country when we work together towards a common goal. It is a shame how quickly we have forgotten this as a society. Today we are more divided then ever before. I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 9/11 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place
--- End quote ---


How do others feel about the National Anthem and what sports players are doing? Do you support the actions of the players or not? How do you feel about the National Anthem? Should it be mandatory to stand for it? Should people be fined if they do not stand for it?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner

Loc:
If someone doesn't want to stand for the National Anthem, that's up to them. I don't feel any strong ties to a country or a song honouring ONLY that country.

In a country which is supposedly all about freedom, fining people and punishing them for choosing not to do something which doesn't harm anyone else seems a bit silly.

Chipper Blu-wolf:
While it may be a choice, I wouldn't be caught dead not standing during the national anthem.  Its not just the United States here; every country has an anthem of sorts, and people all stand for their anthems.  If you're making a point to live and participate in a country, I feel you should support it.  The national anthem is just one way to show support.  You're not forced to sing it, at least stand out of respect.  My two cents.

GrayWolf448:
i myself view the national anthem as something to show respect towards soldiers, and the people who built america.

its kinda ridiculous not to stand though. yes those soldiers did might for your right to stand or to not stand, but still show some respect to those who fought for that ability (though i have to say many of those soldiers fought in pointless wars)

i feel that you should have the right to not stand, but i wouldn't care much if anything happened to them. its just highly disrespectful..

Loc:
I suppose this shows a difference between the US and the UK :p Over here, people barely even know the words to the anthem. You get the first line sung and then mumbling. No one cares if you stand or not. A lot of people don't even know what our anthem sounds like.

I don't understand patriotism or a strong link to a country, as neither seems to be as important over here (plus I think the individuals are more important to honour and respect than the country) so I can't understand the importance of an anthem.

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