Proud to be an American

I'm proud to be an American, unashamed in this pride, which includes standing and saluting during the playing of our National Anthem.  All too often we learn of those who decide, for whatever reason, to eliminate the playing of the National Anthem.

The latest is the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League, which decided to cease the playing of the National Anthem at their high school ice hockey games.  The stated reason is the financial cost, with the league claiming it costs $300 per hour to rent the ice rink(s) at which the games are played. 

If the playing of the Anthem takes between 1:30 and 2:00 minutes, that's a cost of $7.50 and $10 per game.  Sounds rather absurd to contend cost is the issue, doesn't it.  My guess is that there is something more behind this story.  Perhaps an excessively liberal individual who is ashamed of his/her country, or who is anti-military, or is a socialist.  From looking at comments on the web, the local people aren't buying the pitch that the decision was cost driven.  Rightfully so in my view.

Apart from the farcical aspect of this all too sad true situation, there is a much broader point we, as citizens, MUST take to heart.  We have a responsibility as citizens to be proud and to display that pride.  This responsibility is more crucial now than it has been for many years.

The latest election shows us to be a nation divided, a nation polarized.  Unless and until we come together as Americans, it will be terribly challenging to bridge the divide and to bring to the polar extremes to the middle.

Coming together to stand and display our pride during the playing of the National Anthem is one significant step forward in demonstrating our love for our country. 

The action of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League to eliminate this short ceremony, for the stated reason(s), is not only absurd, it is insulting.  Maybe the coaches, teams, and fans can take matters into their own hands and conduct their own playing of the National Anthem, demonstrating their pride in being Americans.