To the editor:

Being able to watch niece’s play volleyball is a favorite fall activity. The success on the court this year has been amplified three times by our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner.

On a hot night in Winthrop, the canned music didn’t play and without missing a beat the announcer told the crowd that it was “up to us”. He started to sing and many joined in to make sure this anthem and the tradition continued.

At Cathedral, a student confidently sang our national anthem so well that the student body, choir director and his parents should all be proud. And at Senior Nite, one of the senior players also added “Singing the National Anthem” with great composure to an already emotionally charged night.

Why do I feel these events need to be highlighted?

High school sports are great. But to set aside the competition for both teams, their parents and their fans to join as one voice to sing or honor one national anthem was quite overwhelming. Each night, I felt the hope described in our Constitution as “a more perfect union”. We experienced a healthy competition coming under the leadership and authority of “we the people”. I would encourage all events to cut the canned music and bring it back live for the benefit of athletes and spectators alike.

Audra Shaneman

New Ulm