National Anthem

[goswannie14]

They didn't ask (or I didn't hear) last night at the SCG, but they did ask patrons at the Essendon/Collingwood game to remove hats for the Last Post.

Unless you are in Military uniform that is generally the case.

[Doctor]

I think BAM_BAM was suggesting that the players should sing the anthem on those special occasions when it is performed. She's not suggesting that the anthem itself be played every match.

Secondly, removing your hat is a mark of respect. If you don't like a social courtesy, it doesn't make it outdated. I do it as it helps remind me of the significance of the cermoney or anthem. If you're in an RSL club, you're there under their rules, so respecting their traditions should be part of it and accepted without complaint.

[Cher]

I have never noticed Australians removing their hats during the National Anthem. It certainly wasn't done at the Anzac Service I attended, removing the hat for the last post, yes that is always done.
Is it a very new custom or a very old one?
Americans do it all the time, hopefully we aren't picking up on their habits.

What I find silly is calling our game an Anzac game when it's four days after Anzac Day.

Back to the topic, I think it's good to have the National Anthem played at the game on special occasions, but not every week, and I do sing, and like to see the players sing too, but it's a personal thing.

[ScottH]

I have never noticed Australians removing their hats during the National Anthem. It certainly wasn't done at the Anzac Service I attended, removing the hat for the last post, yes that is always done.
Is it a very new custom or a very old one?
Americans do it all the time, hopefully we aren't picking up on their habits.

What I find silly is calling our game an Anzac game when it's four days after Anzac Day.

Back to the topic, I think it's good to have the National Anthem played at the game on special occasions, but not every week, and I do sing, and like to see the players sing too, but it's a personal thing.

Wasn't done at the last to GF's!!

[laughingnome]

Another thing I find very strange is having to remove one's hat during the national anthem. Or wearing a hat in an RSL.
Outdated and silly traditions.
Shouldn't we be taught how to stand at attention properly, and salute the flag for that matter?

Removing your hat for the anthem is a mark of respect and courtesy, something that Catholic schoooling reinforced. It's not an American tradtion, but one that goes back to the Middle Ages and knights removing any headwear in the presence of their King.

The RSL comment? I suppose you also think its a "silly outdated tradition" to remember the fallen at 6pm in a RSL, or perhaps even the Dawn Service?

And FYI - only military personell have to salute, but if you are addressing your flag or singing your anthem, why are you not standing upright and proud, like every child is taught in Australian schools?

[CureTheSane]

Removing your hat for the anthem is a mark of respect and courtesy, something that Catholic schoooling reinforced. It's not an American tradtion, but one that goes back to the Middle Ages and knights removing any headwear in the presence of their King.

The RSL comment? I suppose you also think its a "silly outdated tradition" to remember the fallen at 6pm in a RSL, or perhaps even the Dawn Service?

And FYI - only military personell have to salute, but if you are addressing your flag or singing your anthem, why are you not standing upright and proud, like every child is taught in Australian schools?

Firstly, I respect the rules of any place I find myself at, whether it be an RSL or a church.

I recall remembrance day a few years ago.
It's not a day I give much attention to.
I have no one to remember.
I know that people will say that I should be remembering all those who gave their lives etc, but I didn't know them.
Whilst I respect what they did, during the minutes silence, I never find myself thinking about war.
I was at the Caribbean Market on this particular Remembrance day and they announced the minutes silence at 11am.
As I said, I respect the rules, even societies rules which i consider redundant, and I stopped and looked blankly for a minute.
I swear that in a busy market, I saw maybe 3 other people stop and do the 'right thing'
everyone else went about their business, and I guarantee if you ask them about Remembrance day they will speak of how 'important it is to them'
I wonder how many people here claim to be passionate about this day, yet rarely take the time to remember to remember?
Or how many buy an Anzac badge every year?

For me Anzac Day means about as much as the day the Aboriginals remember the white invasion.

at times I think of how terrible war is and how Australians and people from other countries gave their young lives for the freedom of their countries, and the realities of war and sacrifice are made abundantly clear.

However, I don't find any solace in celebrating days remembering people who i never knew, I can do that when I want, not when society dictates I should.

As for the removing of hats for the national anthem, that is a requirement my children's primary school has.
They also demand that anyone arriving late stand at attention where they are when the nation anthem starts.
To me, not obliging the above conditions does not demonstrate a lack of respect to our country.
But then I also don't agree with students addressing their teachers with Mr Mrs or Ms.
To me, the way you formally address another human is not mutually exclusive with the respect you show them.
I have never addressed a superior in the work place with a Mr or Ms and I have never been expected to.

Society likes to make up lots of little rules , and but adhering to them, we as a society are supposed to be better somehow.
I met Steve Bracks once.
Back when he was doing an OK job.
I walked up, shook his hand and said "Hi Steve"
we engaged in a conversation, full of mutual respect - I respected that he was the leader of the State Government, and he showed me respect as someone he could have a polite discussion with.

I sure as hell don't want anyone calling me Mr
Unless it's teh Commonwealth Bank, because then I can say "they called me mister!"

[reigning premier]

Anzac round = Yes
Finals = Yes
Home & Away season = No

As for the players actually singing. Each to their own. I think you'll find most of them ar focussing on the game at that point so we shouldn't begrudge them if they don't sing the anthem.

As for me, at the game, Stand proud and sing Loud. Me and my mates are always the guys singing the loudest. In fact, if one of us doesn't sing loud enough or passionately enough, they cope a pasting for being a slack bastard and get the next round!!

[Jewels]

I didn't think anyone was suggesting the anthem be sung at every game, that would just devalue it I think. For my part, I love to see the players sing it, no particular reason except that I always seem to sing along so I expect everyone else to.

[BAM_BAM]

I think BAM_BAM was suggesting that the players should sing the anthem on those special occasions when it is performed. She's not suggesting that the anthem itself be played every match.

yep that's it only on special days not every week