National Anthem Bulls-Eye!

Forwarded via email by a retired United States Marine Corps friend, this response to how our National Anthem is now, all too often, being performed by “stars” was written and sent out by an anonymous Marine Corps Officer currently deployed.  His on-target sentiments will hit home with all patriots…..

Super Bowl Sunday 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 the 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 96-year-old World War II 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, make-up, 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, not everything needs to be spunked up! We’re getting a little weary of that.  Francis Scott Key does not need any help.”  Semper Fi

Perfect….!