Why the National Anthem?

In light of recent news of people and athletes not holding their hands over their hearts during the playing of the American National Anthem and others sitting down during it's playing has led me to this blog. All day there has been commentary on why the National Anthem is played at sporting events and other occasions. They question the value of playing it even though many of the participants and guests are not American. They don't understand why. Well, I may not be the most flag waving person, especially abroad but this I understand. After 9/11 there was a wave of patriotism in the United States. God Bless America had begun to be sung at the seventh inning stretches at baseball games. That wave, to my knowledge has not ebbed. When the Anthem is played it is on American Soil at an American event. Regardless if some of the participants are not American they are lucky to be playing in America for American teams. I also believe the same respect should be paid to foreign anthems played the United States. I don't buy the feeble excuses that someone forgot or was caught up in pregame practice. You are in the United States, Honor The Anthem.