Singing the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” is a tribute to the nation’s past and a longstanding custom.
The national anthem is played or sung before every sporting event in the United States, from the National Football League and Major League Baseball to the National Hockey League and the NCAA, and even most high school sporting events. The song serves as an introduction to the athletic competition that will follow and as a means of paying tribute to our nation’s forefathers.
Who, though, decided that the Star-Spangled Banner would serve as the national anthem? How did it become so common at athletic events specifically?
Here is a complete rundown of the national anthem’s background:
How did the National Anthem Come to be?
Thomas Carr officially composed the national anthem of the United States, known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
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Francis Scott Key, a poet, composed the prose after witnessing the destruction of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor by British ships during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. U.S. flag, with its 15 stars and 15 stripes, waving proudly after a win; this served as the inspiration. It was called the Star-Spangled Banner when it was used as a flag.
When Exactly did the Star-Spangled Banner become the Country’s Official Song?
The national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” has been adopted by the United States as its official anthem. navy in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson. In 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a resolution from Congress declaring the song to be “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Before 1931, the United States had What?
Prior to 1931, when the Star-Spangled Banner was officially adopted as the national anthem, various songs such as “America the Beautiful,” “Hail, Columbia,” and “My Country, Tis of Thee” were sung to show national pride.
When Attending a Sporting Event, Why do We Sing the National Anthem?
Every year, thousands of sporting events, from youth soccer games to college basketball contests and, of course, NFL games, feature a performance or listening to of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Since the inaugural Super Bowl in 1967, the song has been played, and it will continue to be played for many more years to come.
But Why is it Absolutely Crucial that this Music be Played Before to the Opening Faceoff, Kickoff, or Tipoff?
The song, which gained widespread distribution in the 1800s, was known as a “wartime anthem” and was often sung at patriotic events like Fourth of July parades. Also in 1889, Secretary of the Navy Benjamin J. Tracy issued General Order #374, making “The Star-Spangled Banner” the official anthem to be played anytime the American flag is raised.
In the 1800s, the song gained popularity and began being given before games, though it was not mandated to be played in sports settings until much later.
Patriotism increased after it became clear that the United States and its allies would win World War I. The song had a natural home at sporting events, where it could reach large audiences and inspire a sense of patriotism and pride in the United States.
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When did it First Become Commonplace For Sports Teams to Play their National Anthem?
During the 1918 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox, the song became popular (and yes, Babe Ruth was present). One of the first sports traditions was established when the Star-Spangled Banner was played during the seventh inning stretch.
A few minutes of the song had an unbelievable amount of national pride, and from that point on, American culture connected sports and country.
