Crackerjacks

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Homeland Security officials tell us that there have been at least 32 attempted terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens since 9/11, all of which have failed. Why have we been kept safe from the kind of wholesale slaughter we experienced on 9/11?

Think back to the days immediately following 9/11. Almost immediately a new American tradition was created in major league ballparks, in which a portion of the 7th inning stretch was devoted to the singing of that “God Bless America” by the entire crowd.

The singing of this anthem has been a staple since 9/11 in virtually every major league baseball stadium, and, inspired by baseball’s example, is now a consistent part of pregame festivities at NFL games and NBA games, as well as college football and basketball games.

The significance here is that “God Bless America” is not just a collection of words, not just a song, not just a memorable melody. What is significant here is that “God Bless America” is a prayer.

America has become safe because sports fans, who would rather go to a game on Sunday than church, taking 1 minute of their time to sing “God Bless America.” God appreciates our “sacrifice” of worship.