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NFL National Anthem...why is it so hard to do correctly?

pgjackson

This is not a political rant or complaint about kneeling.

I was at a sports bar for lunch today and they had a bunch of games on. They all did their National Anthem at the same time so I got to see it happening on different TVs. Anyway, why is it so hard for NFL players to just stand still, face the flag and put their hand on their heart?

Your hand doesn't go over your stomach, you dont grab the neck of your shoulder pads, you don't link arms with teammates. Right hand over your heart. Simple.

Face the flag, period. If there isn't a flag present, you face the music. Don't stare at your toes, or look for hot chicks in the stands. Again, pretty simple.

Don't shuffle around. Stand still.

It's like most of these guys have never been taught what to do. It was the freaking 911 remembrance and most of the players acted like it was a nuisance to stand respectfully for the anthem.

Rant over.

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Comments

armeck

I've never understood the need to play it in events that aren't international play. Also, the freedom that it stands for is also the freedom to not have to act the way some of you are saying. Mind your business and your values and leave others to theirs.

I stand, remove my hat, put my hand over my heart and face the flag. If someone else doesn't want to that is their business alone.

pgjackson

https://forum.dawgnation.com/discussion/comment/541861#Comment_541861

To be fair, it's not just NFL players. I see it all the time whenever it's played. Hat on heart, shuffling around, talking....

The linking arms thing is just dumb (the Jags were doing that). That one bothers me because it's an organized decision to put your team ahead of your country. I know they aren't trying to e disrespectful....but they are. There is a protocol. It's not hard to follow. Don't add your own spin.

When my son played HS ball, the team lined up n the sideline, put their helmet under their left arm, faced the flag, and placed their hands on their heart. Most of the teams in the Florida Panhandle did the same. Very impressive.

Kasey

https://forum.dawgnation.com/discussion/comment/541866#Comment_541866

And I bet they were taught that by someone.

YaleDawg

https://forum.dawgnation.com/discussion/comment/541854#Comment_541854

War is hell, and we should do everything to try and avoid it and help those that have suffered from it. I understand the symbolic power around the national anthem, but more often than not the conversation around helping vets and soldiers begins and ends with doing the anthem the "right way" at sporting events. We should be doing more.

BillyDawg1

https://forum.dawgnation.com/discussion/comment/541869#Comment_541869

I think we do a good job with wounded soldiers in the short term. We tend to lose interest over time though. The soldier who had both hands blown off in WWII and starred in the great film The Best Years Of Our Lives ended up selling his Oscar because he needed money. I think as a nation we're doing a lot now, but we need to be just as deligent when these men are in their 40s and older. They tend to almost disappear. We need a comprehensive list and we need people dedicated to contacting them on a regular basis. It's shameful when somebody damaged while fighting for this country ends up discarded and homeless. As far as ''the correct way'' to act when The Anthem is played, it's not something that concerns me.

Joe31

https://forum.dawgnation.com/discussion/comment/541864#Comment_541864

I also stand and face the flag covering my heart. It’s a sense of patriotism for me. And yes I was taught this and really in a sense taught to feel this way. It’s a personal thing for me. But I agree with your logic that citizens of this country have the freedom to demonstrate how they feel any way they desire as long as it’s not unlawful. And I agree that many just aren’t taught the correct way to do it. Doesn’t mean they are trying to be disrespectful. But to your point, I agree, many fought and died so people have the freedom to kneel or whatever during the anthem. I have an opinion but I will never push my beliefs on someone else, especially if they feel strongly about their position. Doesn’t mean I agree with them, just their freedom to do so.

Bangers

https://forum.dawgnation.com/discussion/comment/541864#Comment_541864

Do they have the freedom to do that? Absolutely. Is it disrespectful? Absolutely.

Should we remove it as a tradition before major sporting events and other public gatherings like county fairs and other competitions? Absolutely not.

These are team sports - they directly reflect our need to lean on each other in community (and as a nation) in order to realize both our individual and common dreams.

If we remove this one fundamental ritual that re-enforces that core belief that freedom is a right worth fighting for from our societal structures and norms, we further dilute what little is left of nationalism, deteriorate the value in community, and propagate the fallacy that mine is all that matters.

Bangers

https://forum.dawgnation.com/discussion/comment/541869#Comment_541869

We should DEFINITELY do more. Agree 100%! There are tones of great opportunities out there to choose from. You could contribute to one of the many great funds out there, volunteer to help a vet event, support a vet owned business, or just buy a vet a beer. But for those that aren't so inclined to donate their time or money, they could and should at least do the bare minimum which is to take the moment to say thank you and to stand and salute honorably when the song meant to honor them is played.

Bangers

Last summer my family took a short beach trip to Cape May. They have an amazing tradition there where they honor a fallen veteran on Sunset Beach. The national anthem is played as a part of the brief ceremony for every sunset between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Its extremely moving and beautiful. I highly recommend any and all check it out if the opportunity ever presents.

BillyDawg1

I read somewhere that we have the only national anthem that is about war, plus it's not very good. I think something like America The Beautiful would be a better representation of this country, it's people and it's actually crowd friendly, it's singable.

SWDawg68

I do it, because I was taught how to do it, by my Parents, Aunts and Uncles and Grand Parents and yes, my teachers too!

I am part of a Huge Norwegian family and they all understand the cost of freedom and have no problem smacking the crap out of you for not showing them respect, let alone our flag!

Oh, by the way, my kids and their cousins know what to do when the 1st note is hit, because we taught them, just like we were taught!

I believe in it, but I believe in it so much, I am not offended by those who choose not to honor our flag and country, but I do not associate myself at that level, it is that same freedom that is awarded to them!

@pgjackson (AKA Carnac the Magnificent) are you going to look into your crystal ball, and tell me what is going to happen on Saturday night (the more exact, the better the odds, just sayin), Rent is do next week and I need to win some money!!!

JoeClark

Ehhh! Doesn't bother me a ton...

It's actually on par with what I see in real life. I guess it depends on where you are in the country and the accepted norms for that area.

RxDawg

Eh... being distracted or not standing at perfect attention doesn't bother me as much as outright disrespect for the notoriety. I tend to stop giving attention to those seeking it by acting out negatively.

SSN751

https://forum.dawgnation.com/discussion/comment/541770#Comment_541770

You forgot option 3, which is, keep your cover (hat) on and render a proper salute.