Desi Encourages You To Show Your Patriotism

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There are plenty of National Anthem traditions around sports, including a few attached to local sports teams in the DMV. Orioles and Capitals fans chant “O” (for the O’s and Alexander Ovechkin, respectively) at the beginning of the song. The Caps add in “Red” when the lyrics reach “and the rockets red glare” as well. Some see these chants as unifiers in their fandom, but others think they are disrespectful.

Ian Desmond has proposed a solution for Nationals fans: sing the entire anthem together, as one, loud and proud.

O's fans yell O during National Anthem, Nats fans should sing the whole thing. Would be a great tradition in the Nations Capitol. Thoughts?

—
Ian Desmond (@IanDesmond20) June 13, 2012

“It’s a great way to show support for all the servicemen and women in our Nation’s Capital,” explained Desmond on Friday before the Nationals opened their three-game set against the New York Yankees, expecting capacity crowds throughout the weekend. “40,000 people all singing together? I can’t think of anything more patriotic.”

When Desmond first proposed the idea on Twitter, fans asked if he would join in. He has pledged to sing as well, beginning with Friday night’s game in D.C. as he hopes to start a new tradition in our Nation’s Capital.

So, Nats fans, what do you say? Is Desi onto something, and will you join the rest of your fellow Nats fans in singing the anthem together tonight, and beyond?