"National Anthem at Wargaming Show?" Topic

Always struck me as jingoistic and militaristic. Glad I don't have to do it at the Symphony or Movie Theater.

Well spoken, gents. I'm another one that thinks this would be a bad idea, because it's impossible to take politics out of it.

But, if the organizers played the SSB at the beginning of each convention day, who would fault them? And if they did, why? It's a free country. Heck, go the full Monty and do a flag raising and lowering ceremony with "Taps", for full effect.

As a history teacher for 28 years I, and my students, were required to stand for the pledge of allegiance every school day. It was part of the job. However, because of the Scotus decision that students are not required to say it, I didn't force them to say the pledge. The playing of the national anthem at events is not required by law, it is a custom that has ingrained itself into our culture. There is no law that requires standing. Having said that it is to respect the people who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend this country's ideals and those that serve that I stand for the anthem. But that is my choice. Everyone in this great country is entitled to the same choice. That is what our heroes died for.

Couldn't make FallIn this year so I went to the Syracuse Train show. Easily 1500+ people by the time I left. They played the national anthem before opening.

Well that might start a trend …

I certainly hope not. Playing the anthem at every harebrained event just cheapens its impact. I'm reminded of the old joke that the last line of the anthem was "Play ball!".

From what I can tell from the posts here … most Vets don't care or don't think it is necessary …

When I attended college, the national anthem was played every morning. Wouldn't that be even more appropriate at a wargaming convention, where the battles are inspired by real men who gave their lives for real causes? Is it too much to ask wargamers to take a moment to reflect on the real casualties of war?

Well, you just politicized it. We do not need to play the National Anthem at every gathering of people. I don't need the National Anthem to be played or wear a flag on my lapel to demonstrate to everyone that I am patriotic.

They never played it where I went to college, except at sporting events. I don't know where you went to college but I don't even think they play it every day at the military academies. That strikes me as a little 1984ish.

Before you know it will become law that we start every day with it. Playing the anthem everyday takes away how special it is to hear it. Play it everyday and it makes it less special.

When I was in the service I never heard it played outside of boot camp. Some bases play it now. All I heard back then was reveille and retreat.