I hate how when I ask people about why I have to stand for the anthem, they say "people died fighting for what they believe in, so you would be ALLOWED to stand for the anthem". And I'm like, I'm pretty sure it was more for something called "freedom". The opposite of "being forced to do things". I don't think they really gave a crap about that stupid, boring song, nor did they probably want people to be forced to stand up and listen to it every day. I could be wrong, but I just don't see that being the case. It's just a song. It's not even that good.
Now, that being said, I personally would stand for the anthem even if I was not forced to, out of respect. I'm not saying that people shouldn't do something to honour and respect these people who died for them, in fact I truly believe they should. I am saying that nobody should force you to be respectful, you should want to do it. And being told I have to do something has never been a big incentive for me to do it.