US National Anthem drowned out by cheers at 91 NHL All Star Game 

This is the true definition of America

30 years later...it's still just as good...just as patriotic...just as emotional. I'm tearing up just thinking about it.

For those who think this is disrespectful, you dont see how this is showing the ultimate pride in country? They are cheering for america, not against it. America used to ROAR, now we dont seem to do much of that... I love this video.

We were sitting in Saudi Arabia. I think things had already kicked off. We didn’t know what was was coming but we were ready to get it done. Our tv choice was limited in Riyadh during that time...just a few of us where watching this. I was a 21 yr old kid from Texas and really didn’t known anything about hockey. When this came on...we were so moved. Trying to hide our eyes from each other. At that moment, we could feel those people in Chicago and we knew you were with us...I’ll never forget it.

First off...I was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina the day this happened. I was in the 82nd Airborne Division's Personnel Services Company (PSC), and most of the unit (not including me) was deployed in the Persian Gulf. It was a touching moment for me back in 1991, and to this day, this is my FAVORITE rendition of our National Anthem...even moreso than Whitney Houston's revered version of it before the kickoff of Super Bowl XXV. Also...I'm a Chicagoan, and I can honestly say that while this rendition of the Anthem was a historic one, the fans who filled the old Chicago Stadium then and the United Center now do this before EVERY BLACKHAWKS GAME. As familiar as everyone is with the Chicago Bulls' "Spotlight Introductions", I say that if Blackhawks' games weee allowed to be televised locally then like the Bulls and other local teams...the "Anthem" would clearly rival the "Spotlight" in local sports fans eyes. But that's another discussion. I have absolutely no problem with the cheering and applause during the Anthem. I had no problem with it them, and I certainly don't have one now. Considering the lack of American pride and patriotism we have now...I think we need stuff like this more than ever. This custom is exclusive to Chicago Blackhawks games, and every night before a game starts...the Blackhawks honor a current servicemember and a veteran by having them stand next to the Anthem singer, former Chicago Lyric Opera star Jim Corneilison (sp?) while he sings. Needless to say, the "Anthem" is one of the coolest and most emotional traditions in sports. People from current and former military to heads of state have enjoyed the "Anthem" at the United Center, and there have been no formal complaints about the cheering and applauding during the song. There has always been debate about it, but no formal complaints...especially the kind that would force the Blackhawks to stop the tradition. Everyone from fans to players say Chicago is a great place to play in part because of the "Anthem".

God bless America, much love from Canada!

The banner "Let's show the world how we do it in Chicago" always gives me chills. That shot should be framed as a picture.

the absolute Best National Anthem Ever,gave me the the chills when i watched it then and still does now...God Bless America...Bruins fan here!!

I'm 69 years old, and this tears me up every time I watch it. Being from Chicago, I have seen and heard it in person several times, same results. Took my son to a game when he came in from Alaska and a couple tears came down his face. He was on the U.S.S. Saipan when this game was played and in the gulf. It's GREAT and always will be.

what happened to this type of patriotism? we need to be like this again. chicago still is.

I got into an NHL 24 lobby with the man holding the flag “No Flag Burners Here, God Bless The USA” He snuck the banner through Security, and the rest is History. He is 68 Years Old Today. He told me he was called by the President as well as the Blackhawks owners and players in the All Star Game. He said the President called him the next morning “President George Bush” and told him, that was the greatest act of Patriotism i have ever seen and the world has seen. President Bush told him he would take him and his wife out for dinner when in Chicago again. Fast Forward 30 something years later, he said the President never followed up on it.

chicago does this anthem best. hands down.

Love this moment in history. Makes me proud to be an American and born and raised in Chicagoland. Greatest city in the world. Happened 25 years ago and still gives me chills when I see this.

He was the best. The 'the brave' part is amazing. I'm Canadian, but he made the American anthem awesome.

No one can sing it like Wayne. I love Jim, but Wayne Messmer was so much better

Born, raised, and live in Canada. This brings tears to my eyes every time! Remember it well. Awesome.

Thank you Chicago. Chicago Stadium. Wayne Mesmer. Great Chicago Blackhawks fans. One if the greatest moments in the history of sports. Way to go the National Hockey League. Long live the memories of Old Chicago Stadium. Proud to admit that I was there. The last game played. I will never forget that time as long as I live.

As a season ticket holder from 84-96, I split tickets with several guys, and I was extremely lucky to get tickets for the game, and the first balcony opposite side of the organ, that was way around the side from where I usually got sat. I went with my brother and we had a blast, chills went up my spine during that anthem. Never forgot Wayne Messmer about how fantastic of a singer he was, and what a great experience it was to be at that All-Star game.

Wayne Messmer is one of the best National Anthem singers I've ever heard. I saw a game between the Flyers and Black Hawks at the old Stadium. Even though I'm a Flyers fan, I stood and applauded during the National Anthem.

My proudest moment as a Chicagoan!!

Every game of every sport should be like this..leave politics aside and be proud of your country and root for your team!

Now we say it's just a flag, so proud to be an American!

I remember watching this in my home in Detroit and getting goosebumps by the awesome and patriotic Chicago fans

American spirit hasn't disappeared. Good bless Americans and the USA.

"no flag burners here" you're goddam right

Still the best Anthem ever.!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE NEED TO SHOW MORE OF THIS LOVE FOR OUR GREAT AND AWESOME COUNTRY

This would never happen today. people would be on their phones taking pictures and spoiling the moment. The national unity as of today is desecrated and i am very disappointed in how our country's patriotism has declined. This video is overwhelmingly amazing to watch! God bless America!

Gary Galley ex NHL'er played this game and still says it was his favourite moment as a player. Still gets chills. Makes me cry just to think of Wayne Messmer and the organ in Chicago. One of my top 3 sports regrets is not taking my father to the old Stadium. The Madhouse om Madison lives FOREVER!!!!!!!!

So epic, I'm not American but this would make you so proud to be an American.

I like Jim Cornielson, but nothing will ever top this rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

you would have never gotten this out of nba fans

You will never ever never ever witness a more emotional national anthem at an NHL All Star game again.

From Sweden and i just cant do more than admire the love for your own country. Especially when it comes to the National Anthem =)

god bless the USA. From BRAZIL

We used to be a proper country

As per anything, it's all about intent. The Star Spangled Banner is a battle cry, a song that was conceived during times of war, singing of pride, resolve, and sacrifice. It's unique in terms of 'national anthems' as other countries (Canada for Example) have an overall different tone and reverence for their own songs. Again, it's about intent. As a Chicagoian, I cheer during the Anthem because I feel I'm showing support and verbalizing my appreciation. That being said, I only do it at the U.C. because it's become the social norm there. Again, context and intent. People forget that the proper way to dispose of an American Flag is to burn it. However, the manner of HOW you burn it changes from a state of reverence to an act of protest or disrespect. Intent and Context, people.

I came home from Desert Storm with a sense of abandonment. When I saw this a actually wept. I thank the NHL and it's fans for doing this for us... For me. I'm not a hockey fan in the true sense of the word but now forever a fan. It helped heal an unseen wound.

Goosebumps here. Nothing like being there in person but this is close enough. Thanks.

I'm from Finland and I love USA 🇫🇮❤🇺🇲

Most beautiful thing I ever did see.

This absolutely sends chills up and down my body. It was amazing to hear live, and just as inspirational today.

America is still this awesome!

Man Makes the hair on my neck stand up, and believe me, there is alot of it at this time

30 years ago now & I still get choked up when I see this. It makes me sick when I see our own citizens disrespect our flag & our country. WTH is going on......

crazy to think you're never gonna see a crowd get this excited for the US anytime soon.

Thank you for All The game Highlights & All your videos

I love my hockey, and I love my country even more ❤ it may be shitty but I remind myself that there's still good people here. Like these legends.

A Chicago original. Love it!

This makes me feel like i could run through a brick wall when i listen!

I am from Canada and this is so amazing !! Just wow !!

The Old Stadium was the best place to watch hockey. you were on top of the ice even in the balconys and noise went thru you..It was awesome

Extraordinary moment in time. The greatest rendition of America's national anthem in the history of sports; even more moving than our beloved Kate Smith in 1976 at the Spectrum. As a Ranger fan I stood with the faithful in the rafters the last game ever played there vs. Toronto, Game 6. I will never forget it. Chicago, America's best city! Preserve all that is left! Stand proud!

here in the usa you don't cheer for war, but for truly the best service men and women who fight and die for the freedoms we hold so dear and take for granted. Don't like it?. You should probably go to Yemen or Afghanistan or pretty much anywhere else considering this is the greatest country ever. Gob Bless the U.S.A.

Went to many Blackhawk games at the old Chicago Stadium. That place rocked during the anthem! Brings tears to the eyes just watching and listening!

What has happened to our country? Why don’t we have American pride and spirit like we used to. :(

Only in Chicago can you hear this! I've been to other hockey & football arena's in other states, and NOBODY DOES IT BETTER. I was at this game and will never forget the appreciation shown our troops that night.

A storing rendition. Our prayers are with you

This only happens here in Murcia no country can beat this

Best part is at 1:05 it gets so damn LOUD! I miss the old stadium =(

I had the pleasure to visit old Chicago Stadium 2 times. With Wayne Messmer singing and the organ which would resonate, it truly was a spectacle. It would get loud but at a certain point, the sound amplified even louder and you would feel the building shake. I have visited about a dozen NHL arenas and Chicago was favourite, with the Montreal Forum just behind it.

Still the most iconic video on RU-vid 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

"Oh crap, we can still hear him sing....LOUDER!!!!!"

God bless Chicago! We love you from New York! We need this type of patriotism back!

Easily the greatest rendition of the national ever! I still get chills and teary eyed when I watch it.

I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!! THIS IS HOW WE NEED TO BE... UNITED UNDER THE RED WHITE AND BLUE!!

Wings fan here and I love this. Keep it going!!!

I was at this game and what you can't tell from the video was all the personal fireworks going off in the Stadium. Sparklers, Roman Candles, etc. It was an incredible feeling. But it was also following tradition in that we cheered every single national anthem during those days.

Lol those people behind the flag can't see. why are so patriotic!? I love it lol

The building shook. My body shook even at the age of 40! I have been to MSQ in the 1980s for the playoffs and that was extraordinary when I lost my voice. Moved to LA to work on a government project in 95. Any saving grace my beloved Rangers and Mike Keenan finally won a Stanley Cup in June, 1994 when I lived in Chicago. But it was wonderful to see the Hawks finally win one a few years back All of that pales to the old Chicago Stadium. It was mesmerizing.

FUCKING CHILLS

25 years ago tonight!

Awesome! Miss the old stadium for the Hawks and Bulls crowds. Just electric!

I had the privilege of seeing a handful of Hawks games at the Chicago Stadium. The best national anthem hands down. Straight up 'Merica!

from philly and i couldn't wait for the flyers to visit the stadium....it was the first game i looked for when the schedule came out...those games were the best....remember in 1987 the flyers and hawks had a great 5-5 game there...blackhawks scored with like 20 seconds in 3rd period to tie it

23 years ago today! Truly amazing!

Fucking incredible! 🇺🇸

Can’t believe I’m seeing this for the first time in 2022. Been to plenty games at the UC and was amazed by the loud cheers for the anthem every time. Just never knew the bit of history behind the tradition.

My favorite rendition of it. His Oh, Canada was great, too.

Bush 41 this was your moment

This is how we do it in Chicago. 22 years later and it still brings a tear to my eye.

Being quiet isn't what my country is about. If people back in the day didn't create a raucous and make their voices heard, the would be no US. I love this!

Only in chicago...

Wow what a great version. I love how he did 'home of the brave'

Here is the best way to describe it. At times you literally can not hear the vocalist. The TV broadcast does not do it justice! Unreal experience.

#MAGA

Got goosebumps! I love America!

Extremely patriotic. Beautiful. Quite the contrast to todays generation when the anthem plays.

we could still have this if it wasn't for the left.

IT DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS!!!!

This should be the official version of the national anthem played at the Olympics, etc.

Nothing like the Anthem at the Hawks games. I remember the first game I ever went to against the North Stars in 86. The old stadium seemed to shake.

I have seen this live 14+ times and I'm not afraid to say I get tears every time still.

The crowd noise during the anthem at Chicago Stadium was literally painful to the body…and it was AWESOME!! Miss that barn…

Every singing of the anthem should be like this. When people sit quietly it is like a funeral. The national Anthem was meant as a battle cry. You don’t go meekly into battle. You ROAR.

I love this. This is much better than people standing in silence and barely paying attention and not even taking your hat off. We should do this in more places.

Im English but this brought a tear to my eye. May we flourish as allies for years to come.

Cheers from Brazil. God bless Brazil and USA

coming from a full blood Blackhawks fan, I truly wish I was born before they tore down Chicago stadium. I've been to countless games at the UC, but I wish I could experience this magnitude of patriotism. this is truly awesome.

Great clip here!! God Bless America and all of our troops!!