When and why did this stop? In the ’50s and ’60s, my father took me to many Yankee and Mets games and boxing matches at Madison Square Garden and everyone in attendance removed their hats, placed their right hand over their heart and proudly sang the anthem. It was beautiful to hear thousands of Americans singing at one time. It brought chills to my spine.
What happened? For years I’ve noticed I seem to be the only one at an event singing our national anthem. Recently I attended my local high school football game and I was the only one singing (very low, I might add). Is it because the generations since don’t know the words, are embarrassed or afraid to sing, or is there something I missed? If so, please someone let me know. Until then, I will keep on singing our national anthem, but the only change I will make is that I will sing it louder from now on.
Does anyone remember the announcer at an event asking us to “please join us in the singing of our national anthem?”
Henry Kiernan
Red Bank