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From: decot@cwruecmp.UUCP (Dave Decot)
Newsgroups: net.movies,net.politics,net.music
Subject: The Star-Spangled Banner
Message-ID: <843@cwruecmp.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 1-Dec-83 22:06:21 EST
Article-I.D.: cwruecmp.843
Posted: Thu Dec  1 22:06:21 1983
Date-Received: Sat, 3-Dec-83 11:02:46 EST
References: <143@houxk.UUCP>, <2820@utcsrgv.UUCP>, <1093@rocksvax.UUCP>
Organization: CWRU Computer Engr. Cleveland, Ohio
Lines: 21

The CWRU Film Society recently showed the Spielberg film "Poltergeist",
the soundtrack of which begins with a complete playing of the
United States' National Anthem.  I was attending this showing with several
friends, and, being an amateur singer all through high school and college,
I automatically rose to my feet upon hearing the first three unison notes.
Realizing that I was in a crowded auditorium watching a movie, I felt slightly
silly, and was about to sit down, but then a startling thing happened.  As they
caught on to the music, a few viewers in front of me began to stand up, too!
More and more people stood up, and soon almost everyone in the auditorium was
on their feet, silently listening to the music.  A warm feeling rushed through
my body, and as the song drew to a close, everyone sat down and some began
applauding and cheering.  Then everyone started giggling.

This experience was intensely invigorating, and I'm sure it added to my
enjoyment of the film.  Patriotism, pride, and fellowship were definately
components of what I was feeling.  I was proud of my country and of the
audience.  I do not know why.  I suspect that I would feel the same upon
hearing "O Canada" if I had been brought up on it.

Dave Decot
decvax!cwruecmp!decot    (Decot.Case@rand-relay)