Dear LPG readers,

It has been a couple of years, but do you still sing ‘Queen’ without thinking when you get to that interchangeable word in the national anthem?  In fact, can you remember the last time you were vocalising the song in question at all? 

Most Brits hear it occasionally, even though we rarely get up when the introductory drum roll sounds. Let’s be fair: Most of those who are old enough to remember when doing that was something you did automatically will have legs that would not oblige even if their brains wanted them to.  

I am sure I am not unique when I say that I am so old that I remember the days when the BBC was one of just two channels that came with your television, and the latest late, late show ended at 11 pm.  We would hear the drum roll followed by the instrumental version of the tune, and many of us, even if we were the only person in the room, would get to our feet and stand for the duration of the song before turning the set-off.  Of course, there is no playing of any national anthem now that we have  more than 100 channels to choose from, with programmes originating from any country you like.  There is always something on, and modern television has a beginning or end if there is a power cut.

Nowadays, those who still visit the cinema are often on their feet, and on the way out, as soon as the screen goes blank and the end credits start to roll.  I don’t go very often anymore, but I know that as slow as I am, the credits are still moving when I get to the auditorium’s exit.  It takes a lot of people to make a film, but I don’t know if the king gets any credit these days.

Our national ditty does get aired, and we often hear it, but perhaps the men are more likely to take the time to listen.  All those international rugby and football games should give us an excuse to reflect on our national lyrics, and we will see the competitors standing and appearing to mouth the words. However, I wonder if many male viewers will put down their beverages and crisps to join them by getting to their feet or exercising their vocal cords.  I would even question whether seeing a British Olympic gold medallist standing on the top of the winner’s podium would inspire many viewers to follow fashion, even if their lower limbs would not be affected adversely.  

The ‘standing when you hear it’ idea allegedly originates from the military and is seen as a mark of respect, but all this getting up and sitting down got me wondering just how patriotic we are in 2024. 

I found some enlightening evidence that may interest some readers.  We are not the most patriotic nation in the world. One online poll I found says that we weigh in approximately 8th Position: Behind the Indians, Americans, and Australians, to name a few of our national competitors. I have also learned that we British oldies are thought to be the most patriotic age group in this country, although I strongly suspect that those figures are not based on whether we stand when we hear the tune…

IH, Avery Hill 

IH submits her online evidence…

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