I'm including the following quote because it expresses so well my feelings of many years about how our national anthem has been butchered by "musicians" trying to outdo each other in style and publicity. I am concerned that we have lost the pride and humility to embrace the few American traditions we have with enthusiasm and respect. Singing our national anthem in a stylistic and ego-centric manner is insulting to true Americans and patriots. Or have we forgotten about that?
Superbowl Sunday Date: Feb.2 2014 08:22:07 -0500 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. 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 !
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