I am sure if “God Save America” replaced the “SSB”, you would no doubt have people up and arms and protesting the use of “God” in the national anthem. The “SSB” is the benign compromise that doesn’t really offend people.

I wish the “O” would go the way of what has happened at the Nationals games. Anything remotely wreaking of Peter Angelos’ formaldehyde. I won’t even watch MASN.

I checked with some season ticket holders who are military to get their take on it. If they (these specific ones who sit near me, not a survey of the arena) felt it was disrespectful, I would stop. They encouraged me. They see the “O” the same as I do and I’m making it DC- and hockey-related at least.

I have also been told that part of the reason the yelling doesn’t bother them is that they fought for and defended our right to do so.
And while they won’t yell, they do not object and have even encouraged my yelling.

On a broader issue, I am still not convinced that: 1. - the Star Spangled Banner needs to be sung at every game. 2. - another song couldn’t be sung in its stead. 3. - the Star Spangled Banner should be the National Anthem.

On the other hand, I unabashedly yell the “O” during every anthem I hear, regardless of event. It’s not like there’s much to be “profaned” in the first place. It’s a drinking song with lyrics about a battle, FFS! What kind of message is that supposed to send, that we’re a country of war-loving drunks? I mean, accuracy aside, I really don’t see much worthy of anyone’s respect in the anthem.

Obviously Anon wrote:

Forgot to mention one thing: I noticed Slapshot the other night during the anthem. When we got to the “O� part, he raised his arms, as if to encourage the fans to shout.

Make of that what you will, but shouting almost seems sanctioned by the team.

I was sitting in the lower bowl at the end where the Caps defend twice. Slapshot was in front of me. At the time of the offending moment in the anthem, Slapshot DOES in fact, raise his wings/arms in an encouraging gesture.

I would completely understand if offended fans complained to the Caps.

Personally, I would prefer no anthem.

That makes FOUR yells in Big D!

Go Stars!

I used to yell it all the time when there were no Nats. Now that there is another awful baseball team that some like, I don’t.

Make of that what you will, but shouting almost seems sanctioned by the team.

It’s a minor miracle when men take off their hats during the Anthem, and I think it’s telling that people are requested to do so.

I would not stand for “God Bless America,” as it’s not the anthem. The only reason I stand for it at baseball games is because MLB has mandated it be played during the 7th inning stretch, and I for damn sure don’t take off my hat for it.

For what it’s worth, the playing of the Anthem before a baseball game started during WWI, as a show of patriotism. After the war, MLB said it didn’t have to be played anymore, but the public demanded it be brought back.

In any event, I suppose a patriot with a certain appreciation of history would particularly favor singing the SSB over any other composition when facing a Canadian team.

Some concluding (?) perspective from me: We in Washington may have a greater sensitivity on this subject precisely because we are the nation’s capital. But speaking only for myself, I find the ongoing abuse/license/crank whatever you want to term it troubling for the extent to which it’s perpetrated among so many men and women who live in our community and defend us in uniform. The Capitals do a magnificent job of honoring our military heroes, and often I see them seated at the team’s games in appreciable numbers. I never see a one of them engage in the anthem antics. Perhaps that ought to be instructive.

So tell me, WHY IS IT ONLY AT CAPS GAMES THAT WE HAVE SUCH IDIOTS?

Love the blog, by the way. I’m an OFB junkie. You guys got a shout-out on Elliot the other day.

I never thought of the “O” as disrespectful or spurious because 1) it’s just a hockey game, and 2) who exactly are we “disrespecting” when we carve out an esoteric tradition like this? Each other? Ourselves? I am still an American when I walk out of Verizon, and so are (most of) you. And I sure don’t spend time thinking about the “O” after a hotly-contested hockey game. Why do you?

I think we would benefit by having a sense of humor about traditions, even the ones that evolved via unorthodox means. Chances are good that the Nats’ presence will eventually eliminate it anyway.

I think the majority of fans don’t know why they do it, but they yell it because its a ‘DC/B-more’ thing. I know other places that do something similar - uva students yell out ‘Hoos’. KC Chief’s fans do the ‘CHIEF’.

I don’t think by changing the song will make it stop; Because that one day they do play the National Anthem, they’ll still yell ‘O’. Plus G.B.A. doesn’t give goosebumps like the anthem does.

Oh and Bob McDonald was at a game a few weeks ago (I think it was Toronto game– not sure).

I am still angry at the NHL for playing GBA in lieu of the Star Spangled Banner at the Winter Classic, even after they played O Canada. It was shameful.

In short: NO NO NO NO!!!

@NS2NOVA: Agreed, the DC area is not alone by any means. But I’d rather our city weren’t lumped in with others who can’t stand still and shut the hell up for two minutes.

It’s just as bad with Dallas fans shouting Star, Atlanta fans shouting Night, or Braves fans shouting Brave.

That said, you guys sure make a huge deal over something that lasts for less than a second. It’s a whole lot less offensive than some of the things I’ve heard in response.

Another thing that drives me up a wall is when the anthem singer pronounces it “o’er the per-ol-ous fight,” instead of “per-il-ous.” Drives me mad, and 90% of them do it.

I like God Bless America and would have no problem moving to it - Philly did this with Kate Smith singing it for a long time, and I don’t think anyone thinks less of them for it (there are plenty of reasons to think less of the Phlyerscum, but it ain’t one of them).

And Bitsy… Oh, Bitsy. I love you for trying, but good lord.