National anthem: Do we care anymore?

Ormond Beach Observer
Opinion

While I was covering the Tomoka Marathon, a man dressed in navy blue hijacked my peripheral vision. Standing next to the flag, he was planted, with his heels together and both feet separated at a 45-degree angle. His arms hang straight along the seams of his pants, while his thumbs pointed downward along the seam while curling his fingers loosely toward the palm. He looked at the flag as if it had challenged him to a stare-down. I remember asking myself, “I wonder what branch he was in?”

While I didn’t expect everyone, or anyone, at the marathon’s opening ceremony to stand the way that man stood, I do expect American citizens to be more respectful of the Star-Spangled Banner.

There are times when American patriotism is put on display, and we, the people, don’t disappoint. Think back two years, when the Boston Bruins’ and Buffalo Sabres’ fans captured the heart of America, after they took over Rene Rancourt’s rendition of the national anthem and sang as one at the first sporting event held in Boston just days after the Boston Marathon bombings. Everyone was focused on the anthem.

But, what happens when there is nothing significant going on during the national anthem, except the national anthem? Does that still mean we have to pay attention?

For me, after serving in the military and re-entering civilian life in 2010, it is still second nature to pause every time I hear the national anthem. I had to salute or stand at attention twice a day for three years, every time it sounded through the speakers on my military base. Everyone stood silent, kids, military spouses and soldiers, gazing toward the 50 stars and 13 stripes that make up “Old Glory.” But now, things are different.

While most people rise and hats are pulled off during the anthem, there is still a great chasm between some (definitely not all) civilians and service members.

The national anthem isn’t there to give us time to discuss what’s for dinner later. It will be OK if Twitter followers are updated later on what your nachos or your latest apparel look like. That boy or girl across the field will still be there, so put off daydreaming and any other distractions for two minutes and 30 seconds to honor the men and women who courageously serve our country.