Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia never has had the Star Spangled Banner prior to sporting events. (Goshen's sister Mennonite school) Funny story my soon-to-be mother in law was telling me: She said in a recent Sunday school class her church's pastor was talking about not worshiping false gods, standing up and singing to other idols, etc. She said she decided to have a little fun and asked him if that meant no christian group should stand together and sing in honor of a person, object, etc. He replied "No, they should not" Her response, "What about the star spangled banner?" That went over very well as you could imagine =)
When I am at a sporting event and the Star Spangled Banner starts I dont see a "cookie cutter mindset". I see most people stop no matter what they are doing, in fact the last game I was at they even stopped in the concessions, and pay tribute when the sondg is played. People dont waste time doing anything they dont want to anymore, so if they did not want to stand and take off their cap they wouldnt.
This is another thing that is ridiculus. If the parents of these children were asked I would bet they would still be saying the pledge of allegiance. There is to much power for people who are too worried that we will offend some one in this country.
