Show respect for our National Anthem

  

The original star-spangled banner

 

Forwarded to me by a former classmate. I do not know if it was indeed written by a USMC colonel in Afghanistan, the words are something many of us will agree with:
Marine Col. In Afghanistan … Please, Sing National Anthem in the Traditional Manner for Our Military and Vets…     

"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 them 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. Thanks to Gail Downie, Nehalem, Oregon
 

 

Letter of the Day: Sing the national anthem respectfully

Sing 'The Star Spangled Banner' with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America, not you.

And please remember, not everything has to be sung as a Negro spiritual. We're getting a little weary of that. Francis Scott Key does not need any help." Semper Fi !

 

So help me, there is even a Facebook page devoted to properly singing the National Anthem:
 Sing Our National Anthem Correctly