Here here Wolf Eagle!  For all my life I have been mystified, and more than a little disgusted, that the national anthem is played at the start of (almost all) sporting events.  What possible reason, or purpose, is there in doing so, and what is the connection between trivial sports and the national anthem?  

I have always felt that playing the national anthem at sporting events only cheapens and demeans it, in the same way that incorporating the US flag into clothing, especially such items as bathing suits and even underwear, only cheapens and degrades the flag.  Both show a profound disrespect for symbols of national unity, and only help to breed indifference to them.