Why do they sing . . .

[CPT Tripss]

National Anthems before sporting events in the US? Another thread http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1808360 asked about the Flyers and God Bless America instead of the star Spangled Banner . . . but why any song?
And why stop at two? How about the Finns, Norwegians, Czechs, Slovaks, Russians, Belarussians and Germans out on the ice, don't they deserve a song too?

 

[MrsKreamer]

National Anthems before sporting events in the US? Another thread http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1808360 asked about the Flyers and God Bless America instead of the star Spangled Banner . . . but why any song?
And why stop at two? How about the Finns, Norwegians, Czechs, Slovaks, Russians, Belarussians and Germans out on the ice, don't they deserve a song too?

I think it is showing respect to the country or countries that the teams represent. No matter what your nationality if you are playing for an American team they are going to play the American National Anthem.

 

[olena]

I thought they played the US and Canadian anthems at NHL games because the game was invented in Canada and there are teams in both countries. At least, that's what I was told.

 

[bicker]

The league includes teams from both countries.

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

I thought they played the US and Canadian anthems at NHL games because the game was invented in Canada and there are teams in both countries. At least, that's what I was told.

I do believe they do that if the game involves teams from both countries. It's been a few years. If Chicago is losing to Detroit, from my memory, they just played the National Anthem.

 

[declansdad]

I thought they played the US and Canadian anthems at NHL games because the game was invented in Canada and there are teams in both countries. At least, that's what I was told.

They only play both if a team based in each country is playing.

Suring the 70s, the Flyers had Kate Smith sing God Bless America before a game which they one. They then had her sing it before important games because they felt she brought them luck. (They have even errected a statue of her outside the rink).

They will now used taped versions of her singing before many important games.

 

[CPT Tripss]

So, when did it start?
Do Canadians use their anthem before games in Canadian Leagues (football or Junior Hockey)?

 

[declansdad]

So, when did it start?
Do Canadians use their anthem before games in Canadian Leagues (football or Junior Hockey)?

Yes we sing/play the anthem before all games.

I believe the major push to have the anthem sung before athletic events came from hockey. Around WW2, Canadian cities played the anthem as a sign of patriotism. It moved from there to Madison Square Gardens with the Rangers and then into baseball.

 

[MM27]

I took my niece to Ringling Bros. circus and they played the national anthem before the circus started.

 

[lilyv]

I've watched enough hockey that just reading this thread I started singing-O, Canada, our home and native land, true patriot love, in all our sons command.
That's all I know by heart, folks.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

I've watched enough hockey that just reading this thread I started singing-O, Canada, our home and native land, true patriot love, in all our sons command.
That's all I know by heart, folks.

With glowing hearts,
we see thee rise,
The true north strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada,
we stand on guard for thee.

It's a beautiful song.


Yup, O Canada is only played at games where there's a Canadian team playing. We go to 20 NHL games a year, and if it's two US teams, it's just the US anthem. One of each, they play both, and although I haven't been to a game with only two Canadian teams, I imagine they'd only sing O Canada.

 

[declansdad]

With glowing hearts,
we see thee rise,
The true north strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada,
we stand on guard for thee.

It's a beautiful song.


Yup, O Canada is only played at games where there's a Canadian team playing. We go to 20 NHL games a year, and if it's two US teams, it's just the US anthem. One of each, they play both, and although I haven't been to a game with only two Canadian teams, I imagine they'd only sing O Canada.

You would be correct.

 

[ChrisFL]

I know at Formula 1 races, during the winner's ceremony they play the anthems of the team's home country and the driver's home country

 

[JR6ooo4]

it used to be

"Please rise and join in singing our national anthem"

now it is

"Listen to somebody else sing your anthem"

go america!

Mikeeee