The National Anthem

[JasonStout]

Jose' can you see?

First of all, Thank you to all of you who take a minute to honor America by respectfully saluting the flag, putting your hands over your hearts, removing your hats and giving attention to the flag during the flag lap!!!

So I video taped the races on Saturday. Before the races, my Sister's friend, Diana, sang the national anthem. I though she did a fantastic job with it.

Because she sang it, I had it video taped. I guess because I'm staring at the flag and giving my moment of respect and gratitude for being a member of this great country I've never noticed what I saw in the video tape......which was....

....a great deal of people walking around everywhere with thier hands up to their hearts, but looking away, walking, talking and carrying on as if nothing is really going on.

Is it because we do a flag lap every race?
That could mean we honor the flag and the country a couple times a week, so we've become jaded to that little ritual?
Is it just apathy?

One of the coolest parts of the BMX show is the few minutes we take to honor America. We do have many opportunities and freedoms that have come at a very high cost.

Anyway- what are your comments about the flag lap?

Is is important? If it is, why don't we take the time and effort to make it presentable. Why not make sure that everytime we have a race that a decent recording of the national anthem is available, or a capable singer takes care of the duty? Dan P. does a fine job. He's a true patriot and means what he sings. There have been some unusual versions of the Star Spangled banner played at the beginning of races. I'm complaining about the ones that don't finish the song, or mix in with other songs. The dueling banjo version, the electric guitar version, and the mixed version with other patriotic songs in my opinion need to be replaced with a complete, and uninterupted version of our national anthem- which is The Star Spangled Banner.

TO's and people involved, could we take 5 minutes of precious time to make this seemingly common ritual into something meaningful and thought out. Do you need help with this? Please let me know if you do.

What are all of your thoughts?

"..and the home of the brave!"

JS

[Guest]

Right on JS tell it how it is

[Guest]

Jason, your observations are very true, but it is not only the BMX world that has forgotten the respect and emotion that should accompany ''old glory'' as the colors are posted and the national anthem sang by all of us.
It is unfortunate that we take this right, and symbol of freedom so much for granted. I can guarantee you that when those flag draped coffins are unloaded all over this great country of ours, that NO one misses the opportunity to pause and show the respect due that person who has seen fit to lay down his or her lives, so that we may have the privilege of being free. Change needs to start somewhere, so why not the BMX races? Why not set the example for our kids to follow, and their kids in the future?
We are all Americans, and while we may not have to pay the price of freedom with our lives, we owe it to those that have, and will in the future, to honor and respect what they have given to us as fellow Americans.
When the 9/11 event took place, all Americans rallied together, and the flag was perhaps honored more at that time than any other time in our history. Many of the Utah Bmx family may recall the very large flag that we all sent to the President of our country, pledging our hearts and souls to him and our country in this time of great tragedy. We collected a large sum of money from BMXers across the state, businesses, and 50/50's, and Rad Canyon matched that amount, and then sent it to Albertsons so that it would be matched again by that fine organization. Many of you might have even seen the letter that President Bush sent in response to everyones efforts from the Utah BMX family. It was a personal letter to our track operator and to all of us for simply caring enough to try and make a difference.
Jason, your words remind me of the movie, ''Pay It Forward". You have just done your part, and at the next race I will surely do mine...and pay it forward for America. Lets hope that all who read your words do the same.

Thanks

[justinsbmxmom]

My favorite quote when it comes to the American flag...

All gave some
Some gave ALL!

[Curtis Newkirk]

I with youz guys as far as respect to the flag, but I want to take it one step further. There are a lot of younger kids at our races and like all young kids they need to be taught. Kids won't respect what they don't see adults respecting so this means that the adults and older kids in particular need to drop what they are doing and pay the few minutes of homage to our flag as an example if nothing else.

Like Jason pointed out, there is also the music. Respect is as respect does and most of he time the Anthem is played or sung perfectly. About the only complaint I have is when they put in Jimi Hendrix's 14 minute version. It is just too long. I also love guitars (and even Hendrix), but the anthems soul is in the lyrics. Remove those and you remove the meaning.

OK - back to work!

[bnd]

Your soo right Jason.....I tell Vince to respect the flag during the anthem yet I am guilty of what you talk of, walking around, talking to others, ect.
Thanks for the reality check.

I love Hendrix too, but that version can go, Stick with Diesel Dan.

b.

[Dave W]

At the same race you refered to my dad commented to me that he feels so discouraged and embarressed as an American to see how we show our current level of respect during the anthem. As he started talking about his generation I had to catch myself as I thought "here we go again." Despite the number of times he's talked to me about it, it was quite obvious that we could all use a reminder. Way to take a stand and bring it up. I'm with you, and I too will begin being an example of the proper way to show respect and honor. JS for President. lol. Besides the good patriotic stuff it's become quite apparrent that my legs could use a rest before my first round.

Dave

[JasonStout]

I don't know about you guys, but there seemed to be a better response to the Anthem this weekend!

Thanks to all who respectfully took time to honor America in this ceremony. Also, thanks for all of the verbal responses to this topic. It's nice to hear that so many people shared the same feelings about this. Let's keep it up!

God bless America!

JS

[Ammo_Dawg]

You can knock me off my soapbox at any time on this subject...lol. Seriously, this has been a sore issue with me for years. It use to really upset me to see adults doing the very things you mention. It still does but I've also come to understand and accept that the birthdays, anniversaries, Thanksgivings, Christmas, etc. that I spend away from my family give people the right to do what they please. It part of being an American and FREEdom. Sure, I wish there wouldn't be a single bike or person moving (other than those in the parade lap) during the National Anthem but that will never happen. It's not just within BMX races, it's almost everywhere you turn. I want to believe that it's not done on purpose but more out of being spoiled. Yes, spoiled with the every day luxury of again FREEdom!!!

Ok, how about cool BMX story? Last May I went to Montrose, Colorado to visit the in-laws and raced their Memorial Day weekend races. On Sunday, the TO asked me to carry the flag during the parade lap because somebody had tipped him off that I was from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. I was so stoked! Here I was, an out-of-towner carring the flag before a BMX race.

I ask all of you to PLEASE take the 1:16 it takes to play the National Anthem, to stand quietly, with you hand over your heart and pay the proper respect not only to Old Glory, myself and the rest of the ARMED FORCES but more importantly to all those who have given their lives fighting for the most precious thing in this world...our FREEDOM!

Take care, God bless & RACE HARD!

Lee Geddings

[once upon a time flyin J]

I too see this blatent disprespect of the american flag and our national anthem yet on a different stage. Up at Utah state, basketball games are started off the with the live singing of the national anthem, and right down on the court the players face the flag, yet hardly any of them cover the hearts. it gets so old. I mean, if your going to live in our country exploit our freedoms and liberties, I believe you should pay some respect to the country that is giving you the opportunity to make something of yourself. oh this one bothers me......