Sporting events are a time for fans to remember what it means to live in this great country.
When you watch a sporting event, no matter what sport, you’ll see a large American Flag flying over the field, baseball diamond, court, or any other place where the public gathers to watch sporting events. The flag represents this great nation and the many patriots who defended our freedoms. In response–and out of respect–fans stand, put their hands over their hearts, and sing our National Anthem.
But how did it start? According to USA Today, the flag was first on display at an athletic event over a century ago–during the Civil War, to be exact–in 1862 at a baseball game. But the tradition we know today took a bit of time to take hold. Flying the flag happened sporadically during World War I, and didn’t become a standard practice until World War II.
Amy Barnett runs 50 Star Productions, a company that rents out the American Flags to sporting events. The giant flag is delivered in 14 pieces and cost about $4ooo-$7000 to showcase. The pieces are attached to make the huge flags, some the size of an entire football field.
Today, the flag is displayed at just about every sporting venue across America. At one high school–Burroughs High in California–each football player enters the field carrying the American flag with God Bless the USA, playing in the background.
Sporting events are a way for communities to come together to cheer on their favorite team and have a great time. It’s also a time to remember what it means to live in this great country.
