If you’ve been an OFB reader for some time, you know our feelings on yelling “O” during the anthem. Ted Leonsis has made a request via his blog, Ted’s Take:
We are now asking and encouraging our fans to SING the National Anthem at Capitals games.
That is a great touch. I have started to sing it and it feels really great.
I think it is moving to hear our fans sing in unison. It shows pride and love of our country.
How about joining me in singing on Sunday?!
We think this is a more than reasonable request and will be happy to join Ted’s Sing-along. Perhaps we can take a lesson from our friends to the north.
On Frozen Blog 
I don’t like it. Singing? No.
Clearly, Ken is a communist.
I will surely be singing along in the box tomorrow.. I do want to know though what idiot decided that it was an awesome idea to yell red in the middle of the anthem.. because its not.. Save it for the goals, the hits and the fights
I noticed the new announcement and hope many join in and sing the entire anthem. If most are singing the entire song then those who are just yelling random words or letters of the alphabet won’t be so noticeable. The ones who just yell “red” probably think just yelling “O” for the Orioles is cool too. I detect Peter Angelos and have never yelled out “O” during Caps games.
I saw this a few years ago, and to say it gave me goosebumps would be an understatement. One of the most patriotic things I had seen up until then (and possibly since). I simply had no idea that this was standard practice up north…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meLpuF9UMvk
I would love to be a part of something like that here in our nation’s captial.
The whole deal of over-emphasizing “Red” and the entire “oh” bit are purely disgusting. Self indulgent fans with no respect is the most appropriate description.
Try singing the correct words without the screams of “red” and “oh”. Please??
Thanks for the link, PaintDrinkingPete.
I meant to link to that as well. I remember watching that on TV and was floored. Unfortunately, something like that here in DC is probably just a pipe dream.
One can dream, though.
Big Caps fan and I too wish the “O” thing would stop. I’m pretty sure the “red” thing was just an attempt by some well intintioned hockey fans to stop the O scream.
The O thing is for the Balimore baseball team only (and a darn sad team at that). As much as I don’t like adding to the anthem I’ll give B’more that. But it should stop at Caps and any other games.