KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A true sea of red fan knows how the national anthem at Arrowhead Stadium ends, with the home of the “Chiefs,” not “brave.”
But this Chiefs tradition dating back to the 90’s, could be going back to what it originally is if a Facebook group called “Arrowhead, Home of The Brave,” has anything to do with it.
“We just felt that the times like they are now, things have changed since 9/11 and ‘brave’ extends past our military and past our first responders,” John, a page administrator, said.
“John” wants to remain anonymous because he said this isn’t about him. He said it’s about the brave people in this country today, not just military and first responders, but those fighting other tremendous causes.
“I just know that me and some of my friends, we feel good to get this off our chest and it’s creating some good discussion online,” John said.
Fans are chiming in on the Facebook page. One person writing, “Just sing brave … that’s the way it was written.” Others writing, “I don’t see the harm in yelling “chiefs” … it’s something that enhances the game day experience …”
Fans Fox 4 spoke to on the streets were split also.
“I don’t agree with it. I think it’s a Chiefs tradition. I think it should stay that way,” Sean Olson said.
“I don’t think it’s any disrespect to the service people. It’s just, I think it’s more to help kick start the football game for the Chiefs fans,” Skip Zey, a Chiefs fan said.
But John said one of the problems for him, is the song is kick starting games at other venues like Kauffman and Sporting Park. John said it waters down the meaning and others think, it is time to make this move. Johnna Schernikau said she used to say “chiefs” but not anymore. Why?
“Age, maybe just getting older and you just kind of appreciate what your service people do for you,” Schernikau said.
Arrowhead, Home of The Brave has gotten more than 600 likes on Facebook. John said they started the page last Sunday. He said he knows he probably won’t change the minds of 80,000 fans, but he is writing a letter to the Chiefs organization next week, anyway.
