re: Why is the national anthem even played at sporting events?

There was a picture on one of the threads here yesterday that showed a Marine who had lost both his legs, presumably in action. He was in full uniform, pants legs pinned up, and he was propped up at full attention in a wheel chair , strict salute, while they were playing the National Anthem over the hospital's loud speaker. That is why I stand & sing our country's National Anthem. Choose to be unpatriotic or otherwise, but do not knock those who are passionate about what it stands for. Take a long walk through Arlington National Cemetary if you need a better understanding. Those vets buried there would love to be able to stand for the National Anthem at your "fricking JV high school soccer game".