People have complained recently that the National Anthem, and our flag, are divisive and racist. I would beg to differ.
You could fill Dodger Stadium with 28,000 Giants fans and 28,000 Dodger fans; people of all races, ages, religions, genders, and political ideologies. Many of whom, under normal circumstances, hate each other for whatever reason.
But when the National Anthem is performed, they all rise, place their hand over their heart and often sing along, replacing that hate with patriotism. The National Anthem and the American flag are perhaps the most unifying things we have in this country and should be celebrated as such.