One high school student performed an incredible rendition of the national anthem, and it shreds!

The Star Spangled Banner

It's a tradition as "American" as apple pie, you go to a sporting event, and before the start of the game, the national anthem is played.  Why is that?  Well, according to History, this tradition dates back to the First World War.  In 1918 the Cubs and the Red Sox were in the World Series and during game one, instead of an exciting start to the championship, it was a somber day.

The game was set to be played in Chicago where just the day before, a bomb had exploded killing four people in the city, and with the war being about a year and a half in, more than 100,000 soldiers had died, so while game 1 of the World Series is typically a time for celebration, this time it was not. History explains:

All this sat heavy on the shoulders of both the players and the smaller-than-usual crowd of fans that day. But during the seventh-inning stretch, the U.S. Navy band began to play the Star-Spangled Banner; and something changed.

As the song began, Red Sox infielder Fred Thomas—who was in the Navy and had been granted furlough to play in the World Series—immediately turned toward the American flag and gave it a military salute, according to the Chicago Tribune. Other players turned to the flag with hands over hearts, and the already-standing crowd began to sing. At the song’s conclusion, the previously quiet fans erupted in thunderous applause.

Ever since that moment, the Star Spangled Banner has been a tradition at sporting events.  You can read the full history, here. 

Southern Indiana Teen Totally Shreds While Performing the National Anthem

Recently, one Southern Indiana teen went viral on Facebook for his incredible performance of the national anthem.  According to the post from Gibson Southern High School, Noah is a junior at Gibson Southern.  The video has been viewed more than 75,000 times, and when you watch it you'll see why! Noah plays the guitar and performs an incredible rendition of The Star Spangled Banner.  No doubt this helped get the team and everyone in the gym pumped to watch the Titans play!  Check out his performance below, and if for some reason the video does not pop up, click here to see it.

A great National Anthem tonight from junior Noah Bodenstein!!

Great job Bodie!!