dollknitter

this was just sent to me and I agree...comment?

From a Marine Corps Colonel in Afghanistan .

"So with all the kindness I can muster, I give this one piece of advice to the
next pop star who is asked to sing the national anthem at a sporting
event: save the vocal gymnastics and the physical gyrations for your
concerts. Just sing this song the way you were taught to sing it in
kindergarten - straight up, no styling.

"Sing it with the constant awareness that there are soldiers, sailors, airmen and
Marines watching you from bases and outposts all over the world.
Don't make them cringe with your self-centered ego gratification.
Sing it as if you are standing before a row of 86-year-old WWII vets
wearing their Purple Hearts, Silver Stars and flag pins on their cardigans
and you want them to be proud of you for honoring them and the country
they love - not because you want them to think you are a superstar musician.
They could see that from your costume, makeup and your entourage.

Sing 'The Star Spangled Banner' with the courtesy and humility
that tells the audience that it is about America , not you.
Francis Scott Key does not need any help."

Semper Fi

knitwitconnie

Great advice!

MissNettie

I agree wholeheartedly. Sick of hearing them murder The Star Spangled Banner.

Peoline

I get very Geary when I hear our National Anthem. I thank a soldier when ever I come across one. Hope more people becomes aware of what the National Anthem represents.
Thank you,

Colonial Cat

So totally agree with you .

Gail Sullivan

I would like to see the crowd at a sporting advent sing the National Anthem,
Instead of those self-centered rock star or actors whom just want the attention. They show no respect at all.

nanacari

I too am tired of so-called superstars mangling our National Anthem. Just sing it as it was meant to be, leave your interpretations for whatever junk you want to sing at a pop-concert.

radar

I am not American but I have to agree with that soldier's sentiments.I will tell you this tho'...many of of us Canadians feel as much pride in the American anthem as you do, and it brings tears to my eyes too. We are closer than you think.

Redhead1951

I agree 100% with this sentiment about the Star Spangled Banner. However, I have a small little wish that our national anthem was a wee bit easier to sing. I kinda prefer America the Beautiful myself. :D :-D

alese

I am going to steal it from here and post it on facebook. hopefully it will be reposted a LOT!

sten66

I agree. A crowd singing together is unbelievably moving.

alese

since the horrible bombings at the recent Boston Marathon, boston sports crowds now sing the anthem all together. it is very moving. and it brings us all together even more. BOSTON STRONG here!

DonnieK

Personally, I think the entire congregation needs to be standing, singing, and their hands to their hearts. This is AMERICA. I am proud to be an American. I think one of the first things besides speaking English of course is that anyone wishing to become a citizen know the words to the anthem. I don't want to see somebody grabbing at their crotch and jumping around all over the place and wrecking the pride that Americans should have when they are singing that song. They should be proud to have been asked, they should feel humbled that they were invited to lead the song, they should have American soldiers on their minds and their eyes should be full of proud tears for our great country. We may be down and weak right now, but AMERICANS are not going to stand it for much longer.

StellasKnits (a regular here)

Most of us Americans think of Canadians the same way. Sort of like a sibling rivalry I think! We can make fun of each other but don't anyone else dare do the same or there will be the devil to pay! :thumbup:

StellasKnits (a regular here)

I couldn't agree more. I get enraged when I see people talking and laughing during the times our national anthem is sung. I feel no hesitation to glare at the offender who is wearing a hat and ask them to remove their cover or talking and SHUSHING them!