During a high school soccer game, the parents in the crowd were initially perplexed when all of the players on the field suddenly stopped what they were doing and turned to the left side of the field.

They were initially confused about what was going on, but as they heard a distinct sound, they realized what was capturing the attention of all of the teenagers.

The Great Falls High School and CM Russell soccer teams both call the Siebel Soccer Park in Great Falls, Montana, home for the majority of their home games.

Because of its location, the park now has a long-standing custom.

As a video of the unique action was uploaded to the internet, it acquired widespread attention very quickly and has since become a standard practice at the park.

A familiar noise could be heard in the background while the Bison girls were competing against the Butte girls in a Class AA playoff game on a Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 p.m..

The head referee promptly froze the play clock for one minute as both teams stood motionless in the middle of the game when the score was 1-0.

A video of the unassuming yet meaningful act was taken by one of the people present there.

The game was stopped so that everyone may stand and listen to the national anthem, which was broadcast over the public address system at Malmstrom Air Force Base (MAFB), which is located directly across the street from the park.

When the national anthem starts playing, the teams will typically pause their workouts and pay their respects to the flag.

On this particular Tuesday, the women playing on the field, however, were in the middle of the game when the national anthem began playing at 4:30 p.m., as it does every day.

The score was 1-0 at the time. The timer was instantly stopped by the head referee, much to the shock of the spectators, and the girls were aware of what they were supposed to perform.

The players on both teams turned their backs to the flag, and some of them covered their chests with their hands to show respect. The onlookers then replicated what had just happened.

Yet, the teams did not always halt what they were doing in order to pay respect to the national anthem.

Willie Pyette, who was coaching the CMR girls team at the time, is credited with starting the tradition by relocating the team’s practices to the Siebel Soccer Field.

After becoming the girls soccer coach at CM Russell High School and moving the team’s activities to the park, he observed the routine practice that was commonplace at MAFB and made the decision to include it into his team’s training once he took over the position.

During the playing of the national anthem, both the Bison and the Rustlers are required to halt whatever activity they are engaged in, which is typically just training.

They are then required to face east with their arms crossed over their chests, stand at attention, and show respect for the flag.

After the conclusion of the playing of the national anthem, the scheduled activities will resume.

According to Pyette, the purpose of the practice is not to make a political statement but rather to demonstrate respect for the members of the military stationed in Malmstrom and in other locations.

The National Anthem is a symbol of the liberties that many Americans take for granted; but, throughout the years, it has been subjected to disrespect on occasion and has been the source of a great deal of conflict.

There have been a lot of demonstrations during the national anthem because many people feel that the country hasn’t always lived up to the liberties and ideas that it proclaims to uphold.

Not everywhere, though, as the soccer fans who attended this game were surprised to discover for themselves.

These ladies were able to keep their focus on what really mattered even in the midst of a competitive game by remembering that showing respect for our national anthem and flag honors the people who fought for our freedom.

Watch the video below, and please SHARE this with your friends and family on Facebook.