National Anthem at local hockey games

[tulsapoolplyr88]

My wife and I try to go to every home game for the Tulsa Oilers.  We've been going for a few years now.  For the past month or so, there's been a small group of people that's been getting on my last nerve.  About an hour or so ago, I just got home from one of the games and went to the message board for the "Tulsa Oilers".  I posted it there, because many of the fans go there and maybe it will get their attention....It'll turn ugly if I confront them.  Here's what I posted:

quote:
I would like to introduce myself before I pull out the soapbox.  My name is Rick, and I've been attending Oilers games with my wife for a couple years now.  My wife started going to games, to pass the time, while I was in Iraq.  She got me interested in going to the games when I came home.  We try to go to every home game that we possibly can.  We allways have a good time at the games and have met some good people.  But there's something that's been bothering me for several games now......

here comes the soapbox.....

Here lately, there has been a small group of people that have seemed to migrate to our section.  I don't know where they came from....never seen them before.  Doesn't really matter where they came from...a fan is a fan.  What really bugs the hell out of me is the fact that they are carrying on a conversation during the National Anthem.  Now, I'm pretty easy to get along with, but.....I've had enough.  I've spent 19 years of my life in the Army, and have tremendous respect for ANYONE who has served in the military....any service.  Military service is by no means a 9 to 5 job.....especially now.  Anyone who thinks differently is a fool.  When I hear the National Anthem being played during any public event, most people show common courtesy and respect, by removing their caps, facing the flag, and most (not all) place their hand over their heart.  Now personally, I couldn't care less what your political affiliation is, or your beliefs, or your thoughts on the war.  What I DO care about, is that while the National Anthem is being played, weather you place your hand over your heart, or just stand there.....SHOW SOME RESPECT FOR THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU AND KEEP YOUR DAMN MOUTH SHUT!!!!!!!!!  I DON'T CARE WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN YOUR LIFE.......AT THE MOMENT YOU HEAR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM START PLAYING, OR BEING SUNG, YOU CAN SHUT THAT PIE HOLE FOR THE FEW MOMENTS UNTIL ITS DONE.  I'm sure you don't want to be embarrassed in front of the entire arena, but if that's what it takes, then so be it.

If none of this pertains to you, then ignore it and move on.......but, if the shoe fits, then I think we ALL know what you need to be doing Cinderella.

Nuff said.

[RecycleMichael]

I agree with you. Show some respect.

What section are they in?

[Steve]

I agree with you too.  They should either sing the anthem or keep their mouths shut.  Perhaps the announcer could ask the audience to refrain from speaking and show respect during the anthem, if he already does not.
Too bad we can't legislate good manners and common decency, but some people are just beyond hope.

[Porky]

It's a hockey game so feel free to beat the hell out of them, I would of. []