2. Kate Smith
Broadway, television, and
radio star
Given exclusive rights to
perform “God Bless
America”
3. Lou Scheinfeld
Flyers’ Vice President
Wanted greater patriotism
December 1969: Chose to
play Kate Smith’s “God
Bless America” instead of
“The Star-Spangled
Banner”
4.
5. 1974 Stanley Cup Finals – Game 6
Kate Smith singing “God Bless America”
Editor's Notes
That night, the Flyers beat Toronto. At the next home game, they played the National Anthem, and the Flyers lost. Following that game, the next home game featured Kate Smith’s “God Bless America,” again, and the Flyers won.
Won cup in 1974 & 1975.
D. 1986
Still play her song today
This ritual was begun as an effort to inspire patriotism. It proves that the Philadelphia Flyers organization and fans value their country as well as their team’s success. As heard in the video, much of the crowd often signs along. Miss Smith’s contribution to the team transcends her earthly life, as the tradition lives on. This past season, the Flyers won both games at which they played her rendition of “God Bless America.”