Do any fellow historians know how and when National Anthems even started? Every country has a flag and a national anthem and almost every one of he anthems is about war/fighting (except Canada). Most countries do not play their anthems before sporting events. I never heard it growing up in Australia.
What I don't understand is why so many people go on and on about a few athletes exercising their rights as citizens, but why is only required to stand if you're actually at your seat? lots of folks are still getting food, going potty etc., and they don't stand still and take their hat off. And in addition, when did the hat thingy start? I never saw that until about early 90s. The military don't remove their hats, or put their hand over their heart during the anthem.
I'm so bloody confused now.