Before every sporting event, the familiar tunes of “The Star-Spangled Banner” can be heard playing in stadiums and arenas. This is a practice that is deeply rooted in American sports culture. But have you ever thought about why this famous song is played?
The answer lies in the rough times of World War I, when the song became a strong sign of national pride and strength. It was played by military bands at baseball games sometimes in the late 1800s, but it wasn’t until September 5, 1918, that it became really important.
This important event was the start of the anthem’s popularity in sports. “The Star-Spangled Banner” had already been made the national song by Congress in 1931, but the NFL made it a requirement for every game until then. Sound systems got better and better during World War II, which made their impact even stronger.
But the role of the song in sports has been argued over for many years. Some say it honours military victories, while others say it’s a tribute to heroes who died. Recent problems with Colin Kaepernick’s protest and Mark Cuban’s choice to stop playing the national anthem at Mavericks games have brought the issue up again.
Even though people have different ideas, one thing is clear: “The Star-Spangled Banner” means different things to different people based on their own experiences and views. Do sports events need to have the anthem? Should we stick with this beloved practice or change things up?
The answer is in the hearts of Americans, where the song will always be a powerful reminder of national pride, unity, and the lives lost for freedom. As the tune plays in stadiums, it makes people think about the ideals that make America great.
What do you think? Should we keep the national anthem as an important part of American sports culture?
