by Bob Russell, ©2023
(Jun. 14, 2023) — People from several Masonic lodges came to the Claremore Veterans Center today to observe Flag Day and honor men and women who have served under the flag in the military. The program began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a reading of Red Skelton’s word-by-word explanation of the meaning of the pledge. Skelton did this on video several years before his death with the idea to educate schoolchildren on its meaning and significance.
Next on the program was a video explaining the origin of our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner,” followed by an original rendition. The disrespect shown today by those who sing the anthem to begin sporting events is so disgusting to me that I will change channels when watching on TV to avoid listening to the distortions imposed by “singers” who present their own personal version. Very often the anthem is destroyed by “warbling” or long, drawn-out parts where notes are held for excruciatingly long times in order to impress the audience with the singer’s ability to prolong a breath. Live audiences cheer and applaud loudly, showing their own disrespect for the anthem. As a veteran who fought under our flag and anthem I find it extremely offensive to see performers turn our anthem into nothing more than a “showboating exhibition” to put themselves into the limelight. Singing the national anthem should be considered an honor and should be performed as written, not as the vocalist’s signature performance.
I submit this in the name of the Most Holy Trinity, in faith, with the responsibility given to me by Almighty God to honor His work and not let it die from neglect.
“As a veteran who fought under our flag and anthem I find it extremely offensive to see performers turn our anthem into nothing more than a “showboating exhibition” to put themselves into the limelight.”
Ditto. They make it all about themselves.
Bingo.