Today, allow me to ask you a question: when was the last time you thought about your National Anthem?
Having witnessed the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the memories still linger with me. You and I get to hear the various national anthems each time a winner is announced for bronze, silver, or gold.
The opening Ceremony for the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milano Cortina is no different, with a sense of pride throughout the Olympic village.
I’m sure that while we are watching the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, there will be at least one event where everyone can agree there were only winners: the Opening Ceremony, which took place this past Friday, on February 6, 2026.
“Held primarily at Milan’s historic San Siro Stadium, the Opening Ceremony is a chance for the host country to show off a bit of local pride while honoring all nations, starting things off with a bang and a moment of unity as the Olympic torch relay culminates in the lighting of the cauldron. Or in this case, for the first time in Olympics history, two cauldrons — one Milan and another in Cortina d’Ampezzo, representing both host cities.”
Events will continue through the closing ceremony on February 22, 2026. The Paralympics will take place the following month, from March 6, 2026, to March 15, 2026.
See the Olympics schedule for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games
We hear various national anthems many times a year, depending on the host country’s location, but they don’t stick in our minds; is it passive because they’re not ours?
I’m not a big sports fan and hardly watch any major championships, including the Super Bowl.
However, early this past week, I came across Pharrell and Voices of Fire in relation to the 2025 World Series.
Pharrell, Voices of Fire to perform on-field before World Series Game 1
Little did I know that I would be captivated by the choir singing our National Anthem.
Of course, not to mention yesterday was the Super Bowl with Charlie Puth performing the national anthem. It was another captivating moment.
Charlie Puth sings Super Bowl LX national anthem at Levi’s Stadium | Super Bowl LX
I also enjoyed hearing Coco Jones sing “The Black National Anthem,” Lift Every Voice and Sing, the hymn written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900.
Coco Jones Sings Lift Every Voice and Sing at Super Bowl: Watch
During the month of February, let’s not forget the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice,” and Black History Month, which is now in its second week.
We have so much to be proud of as Black Americans, despite this country’s current state. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, the singing of “Lift Every Voice” grows louder each year.
Lift Every Voice and Sing | NAACP
This week, as you take a moment to watch the Winter Olympics, I challenge you to think about all those whose dreams will come true. Regardless of who stands on the Olympic Podium as they hear their National Anthem being played.
Today, I honor the words of George Foreman and his achievements.
“The Olympic Gold medal in 1968 was definitely the highest moment of my career. It was a dream come true. I was a 19-year-old boy, and it was just amazing to be standing on top of the podium and hearing the National Anthem in the background.” ~ George Foreman
Curtis,
Your comments are super timely and important at this time in our country’s history. I thank you for sharing your thoughts as we celebrate Black History Mont!!!
Have a blessed day.
Diane,
Blessings to you on this day. I am honored to have your input for today’s blog. I believe it’s important not to forget our history. I appreciate you taking the time to read my thoughts as we celebrate Black History Month.
McKinley
McKinley,
Yes Winter Olympics! I believe you know I love sports. Sports definitely brings countries and people together. Many negotiations take place in the sports stadium and are won because of sports.
While The Bahamas is not participating in Winter Olympics, sport’s enthusiasts are watching the events. For a small country we have many olympians (track and field). I cannot ski but I like to watch and hope to try it one day soon. Olympic events to watch: Freeski, hockey men and women teams. Watching the techniques and understanding the time, effort and practice it took to get to the Olympics! They are all Olympians. Winners yes! The Opening Ceremony with the Athlete’s March is always something to watch! It’s definitely an experience.
Hearing your country’s national anthem played in a sports stadium with thousands of people gives a strong feeling of national pride.
I am a runner, my daughters are also. They took distance running further than I did competitively and won medals. My oldest won the gold in 3000 meters at Carifta 2012 in Jamaica. She held the flag across her back with pride while the Bahamas National Anthem “March On Bahamaland” was played.
I believe to see your country’s flag hoisted in the Olympic Stadium is a euphoric feeling. I am watching to see the American Skaters!!! We always cheer for the U S. and love to hear the “Star -Spangled Banner too. And the anthem of other countries’
With sports we see “many countries one people.” Its happiness, tears, joy, laughter all the emotions to realize dreams!!:)
Best regards,
Lucretia,
Thank you for being open and honest about what you have seen and witnessed as a Bahamian. Your support is needed and I’m honored to know that you and your daughters are runners. Congratulations for having a daughter receive the gold medal in 3000 meters at Carifta 2012 in Jamaica. “March On Bahamaland.”
McKinley
Regardless of who stands on the Olympic podium, I think hearing your country’s national anthem played would be the ultimate validation of all the training, practice, and hard work put in to be a winner who earned the honor to stand on the Olympic podium and make your family and country proud. Suddenly the moment is surreal and bigger than the individual athlete.
Dr. Fox,
Greetings to you today,
I appreciate your comments on my blog this week and apologize for the late response. I agree that when someone stands on the Olympic podium, there is a sense of respect hearing their country’s national anthem played aloud as “the ultimate validation of all the training, practice, and hard work put in to be a winner.” For me it also gives others the opportunity to dream bigger as a World Class Athletic. It is a surreal feeling that is undeniable and bigger than the individual athlete.
McKinley