In the last couple of years, people have seen tons of anti-American protests all around the country. This is one good reason why certain sports organizations in the professional and amateur realm skip the national anthem before their sporting event.
As a response, some players and coaches take the knee during the pregame song. It’s their way of protesting racial inequality that’s not so uncommon all over the country.
Despite being a very heated topic, there are still people who aren’t afraid to stand up for the National Anthem and the country.
A local high school football team in Grandbury, Texas decided to take matters into their own hands after hearing that the national anthem won’t be played before their game.
When they learned that the band couldn’t make it in time to play the song before the game, they got super uncomfortable. They didn’t want to play without paying respect to the flag and the country first.
They went to the field.
The young men went out and started singing the national anthem themselves. They didn’t have any band or music to play with them. All they had was the determination to show respect and honor their anthem and flag.
They didn’t feel ashamed.
They were clearly not in harmony. They even messed up some of the lyrics. Despite that, they still gave their best. They sang as loudly as they can, showing how proud they are of their country. They even took off their helmets and placed their hands over their chests.
It was all because of the weather.
That day, the national anthem wasn’t skipped because of some political reason. The town didn’t lack patriotism either. It was due to the weather.
The Grandbury, Texas band wasn’t able to make the trip because of severe weather in the area. It has caused the game to be pushed to the next day.
This sudden change in schedule made it hard for both the teams’ bands to perform before the game.
Unfortunately, the Grandbury Pirates lost to the opposing team.
Even though they lost, they still have something to celebrate.
They were able to win people’s hearts by what they did. They stood proudly as Americans in a very uncertain time and that’s something to feel proud of.
This isn’t the first time athletes stirred emotions the way they act during the national anthem.
San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick chose not to stand for the national anthem as a way to express his views on the present treatment of racial minorities and police brutality in the country. For him, it’s a respectful gesture. It’s not his way of disrespecting military personnel.
Unfortunately, despite his explanation, he still lost his job because of it. It’s a good thing that he was able to find other opportunities to earn after that controversial day.
People have different views and they have their own ways of
expressing them.
Despite our differences, it doesn’t take away the fact that our national anthem is an important part of our country’s identity and history. It should be bringing people together. It shouldn’t stir negative emotions either. The Star-Spangled Banner should inspire pride in the heart of every American. When you sing along, you’re praising the country.
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