National Anthem etiquette

[Chas]

Since the original question has been answered authoritatively and in great detail, here's something new.
It's my opinion that Americans sing (and play) the "Star-Spangled Banner" much too slowly. Somewhere between 120-132 bpm seems much more fitting, to me at least, than the usual 100 (or less) bpm. Does the same hold true for other anthems the world around?

It is not my national anthem and I really should not get upset, but I do. Every time I hear a 'star', singing the anthem like a dirge, adding all the extra notes and flourishes, torturing the poor song and beating it to death, I ask myself this - If they hate the National Anthem so much, why do they agree to sing it in public?

Sorry, if this has offended, but The Star Spangled Banner is a great song - a great song to sing and I hate to hear it mangled.