MUST WATCH: “The Anthem” 25 Years Later
Set the scene… It was 1991 and America had just begun conflict in the Middle East. The NHL All-Star Game was being held at the old Chicago Stadium, very possibly the loudest stadium in hockey.
To show our support for the troops in Iraq, as Wayne Messmer sang the “The Anthem” the fans drowned out the song with cheers of support for our troops. Try to watch and listen without getting goosebumps.
Now infamous General Norman Schwarzkopf, played this for his men fighting overseas, in which no words can describe.
While NHL legend, Wayne Gretzky petitioned for the game to be canceled due to the war, Chicagoans showed the world what it meant to be American.
Cheering during the anthem began in the mid 80’s