Orange County Commentary : Letters : Quiet! It’s the National Anthem

There was an amazing sight at the truck mud races Jan. 13 at Anaheim Stadium.

Although I was surprised, it wasn’t amazing that we were asked to stand for the National Anthem. Nor was it amazing when this rowdy crowd waited in silence more than a minute before the music started.

What was amazing was the behavior of crew members on the grass below once the sound came up. Conversations continued. People jogged across the field. Some hats weren’t removed until “. . . twilight’s last gleaming.” And one never did remove his wide brimmed leather job.

Apparently there are lots of people who sat through eight years of elementary school without learning that when you hear the National Anthem you are supposed to stand still, shut your mouth, and take your hat off. Amazing.

PENNY HARRELL

Laguna Niguel