How the Blackhawks make the singing of the national anthem spectacular

One of the best parts of a Chicago Blackhawks home game happens before the puck even drops.

Fans screaming and cheering as loudly as they can while singer Jim Cornelison belts out the Star Spangled Banner is a tradition at the United Center.

It is not meant to be disrespectful to the anthem.

It is a tradition rooted in celebrating America.

Legend has it that this tradition started in 1980 after the United States beat the Soviet Union in the Winter Olympics. Fans were excited after the 'Miracle on Ice' victory, and could not contain themselves.

Another legend attributes the tradition to starting during the 1985 Campbell Conference Finals against Edmonton. Fans were trying to hype up the Blackhawks in Game 3 as the team was facing the Wayne Gretzky-led Oilers.

Some say the tradition started during the 1991 NHL All-Star Game held at the old Chicago Stadium. The Gulf War had just started, and Chicagoans could not hold back their patriotism. The crowd drowned out singer Wayne Messmer with their roars and applause.

That might be when the nation found out about the roar during the anthem, as it seems the 1985 Conference Finals is the more likely start of the cheering.

Despite a dispute over the official start date, it is a great way for fans to get ready for some NHL action, although the on-ice product has not been good lately.

Cornileson took over singing the anthem from Messmer in 2007. He has added a nice touch when he points to the flag as he hits the line, "and our flag was still there."

It makes the performance even more profound.

Some traditionalists feel you should stand and be silent when the anthem is being sung as a way to honor the troops.

Hawks fans have found a way to make the anthem unique, especially since its most famous moment is rooted in supporting troops facing combat action.

Cornelison's renditions always feel like he is singing the anthem with a deep love of country. The Hawks have found a way to incorporate a veteran or active military member to stand next to him, saluting the flag, as he belts out the country's national anthem.

Those soldiers and veterans always have a look of pride in their eyes. There is never a look of discomfort.

While there is a lot of political division these days, Hawks fans can still agree on standing up and letting out a roaring cheer once Cornelison sings the line "O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light."