Jul 03, 2008 08:24PM GMT
Question
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Politics - United States
Is it time for a new National Anthem?
Lee Greenwoods heartfelt love of America expresssed in song. Easier to sing? Words more applicable to today?
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Answered No... leave it alone!
It's tough to sing (but it can be done, and done well). There are other patriotic songs that are also stirring and they come from a patriotic background and time. But, there is only one National Anthem - leave it be. Too many have died for it. -
Answered No... leave it alone!
Our National Anthem is patriotic, truthful, moving and inspiring. It brings tears to eyes, a fierce pride in our country. It brings respect to Americans who understand our history. The younger generation have no idea what that is. Newer doesn't make it better. It waters down the reason we celebrate Independence Day. It makes me sick and angry to even discuss a change. I am a loyal American and Patriotic in every thought and deed to this great country. I teach my kids and grandchildren to love America. I thank God I was born here and pray for America to remain free. That new song is patriotic and it is just one more patriotic song written. It is a great tribute to 9/11. The Star Spangled Banner is a great tribute to America since 1776!
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Answered No... leave it alone!
A Standard NEVER needs to be updated! Leave the Standard ALONE!
Variations on themes are always welcome as heartfelt expressions of loving citizens, like Lee Greenwood. I can this gentleman.
I can't trust the intentions of anyone who would change the intent of Francis Scott Key, the man in the middle of the action.
We need a revival of original intent in all the founding documents of this nation, not a continuation of re-writes.
Damn the Fools who want to change this country from the original intentions of the founders of this nation! They knew then as I know now that this nation cannot function on principles found anywhere else other than The Holy Bible! :)
(My anger is not directed at you, Rover, because you have consistent character. My anger is directed at the insane asylum escapees who believe that New is somehow more enlightened than the words of the Ancient of Days.) -
Answered No... leave it alone!
No, the original song is what we all know, but like mindless obama along with is obamites will undoubtly changed it. These nut job liberals seek change. I for one after serving 20 years will only stand straight at attention with my hand over my heart with the original. PERIOD!!!!!!!! I guess if Obama can get away with not wearing a flag and at attention I can get away with it! -
Answered No... leave it alone!
And I’ll tell you why.
It was November, 1996 six months after the Khobar Towers bombing. I was deployed to PSAB (that’s Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). As it happened, I brought my Yamaha electric keyboard to keep me company during my deployment.
As an Air Force first sergeant, my task was to attend to the health, morale, and welfare of the squadron members under my direct supervisory responsibility. I was also responsible for organizing commander’s calls and award ceremonies during my tenure.
Owing to local Saudi sensibilities, we were not allowed to display our National Flag above the tents where we were housed. In fact, the Saudi-side of the air base had hardened building structures with real gold inlay on the marble floors and hand rails. The only hardened facility on our side was the sun roof over the air terminal and we were relegated to living and working in temper tents!
That not withstanding, I wasn’t aware of any prohibition to our music, so…
In working with the 4404th Wing (Provisional) Communications Squadron radio maintenance officer (a Major), they helped me set up the PA and sound system for our upcoming commander’s call. Once I plugged in my keyboard, I started to play to test the equipment. As I played the “National Anthem” (using the pipe organ sound), the entire building’s personnel stopped what they were doing to listen, including the Major.
I wasn’t paying attention at the time, but once I s...And I’ll tell you why.
It was November, 1996 six months after the Khobar Towers bombing. I was deployed to PSAB (that’s Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). As it happened, I brought my Yamaha electric keyboard to keep me company during my deployment.
As an Air Force first sergeant, my task was to attend to the health, morale, and welfare of the squadron members under my direct supervisory responsibility. I was also responsible for organizing commander’s calls and award ceremonies during my tenure.
Owing to local Saudi sensibilities, we were not allowed to display our National Flag above the tents where we were housed. In fact, the Saudi-side of the air base had hardened building structures with real gold inlay on the marble floors and hand rails. The only hardened facility on our side was the sun roof over the air terminal and we were relegated to living and working in temper tents!
That not withstanding, I wasn’t aware of any prohibition to our music, so…
In working with the 4404th Wing (Provisional) Communications Squadron radio maintenance officer (a Major), they helped me set up the PA and sound system for our upcoming commander’s call. Once I plugged in my keyboard, I started to play to test the equipment. As I played the “National Anthem” (using the pipe organ sound), the entire building’s personnel stopped what they were doing to listen, including the Major.
I wasn’t paying attention at the time, but once I stopped, I saw tears in their eyes… all of their eyes. The Major had been there for most of the six months since the Khobar Towers bombing. It was the first time he’d heard our anthem since his deployment and that terrible day in Dhahran.
I’m sure you’ll get the same response from any member of our uniformed services.
I’m willing to bet you’d get the same reaction from those first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs, etc…) or anyone who’d raised their right hand to swear an oath.
Oh, incidentally, out of 180 some-odd countries that have national anthems, ours is the only one to contain “rockets” and “bombs” in its lyrics. It’s also the only one to end in a question: In effect, “Does my country still exist?” For you history buffs, you’ll know the answer to that question is in the remaining stanzas of F.S. Key’s poem. And they are:
On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep.
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream
'Tis the star-spangled banner. Oh! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation,
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n - rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause is just,
And this be our motto--"In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Ref: http://wcbstv.com/topstories/...
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A very well thought-out argument. Thank you. As a past serviceman and firefighter myself, I also ubderstand the meanings. As a singer, I know how hard it is to sing. God Bless the USA still brings tears to MY eyes because of it's message as well. Thank you again for your service and your story!
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Hi Mary, I actually think most Americans are awake. But we need to get them to speak up and act. The citizens of this wonderful Country are too complacent; and, they are more than willing to let the other guy do the heavy lifting. I've seen a lot of you responses and comments - keep up the good work!
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I was at the Constitution Center today in Phili, I wish kids had to be taught the truth in our failing public schools. They even said that it needs to be the parent responsiblity because that is the only way they will hear the truth. I dont feel that the younger generations have the Love for this Country, I believe the democrats want a one world goverment and are working toward that.Thanks and I agree "let the other people do it," attitude is going to bring this country down.
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It's funny that the school system can't teach your daughter about our history, but if she wants they will arrange for her abortion without bothering Mom and Dad about it.
However, I'm optimistic, not about our systems but about our kids. Something happens about age 21 - 22 and they start to become Americans who love their country. Just look at our wonderful military. I believe the school systems that taught them were no better than the crap we've got today. I'm hopeful... -
thanks, I agree with you. I was in DC this past Feb at the Conservative political action conference and there was over 6 thousand very young 21-30 yr. olds wanting Conservative values together. It was amazing and fun. It did give me hope for the future.
Answered No... leave it alone!
It was November, 1996 six months after the Khobar Towers bombing. I was deployed to PSAB (that’s Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). As it happened, I brought my Yamaha electric keyboard to keep me company during my deployment.
As an Air Force first sergeant, my task was to attend to the health, morale, and welfare of the squadron members under my direct supervisory responsibility. I was also responsible for organizing commander’s calls and award ceremonies during my tenure.
Owing to local Saudi sensibilities, we were not allowed to display our National Flag above the tents where we were housed. In fact, the Saudi-side of the air base had hardened building structures with real gold inlay on the marble floors and hand rails. The only hardened facility on our side was the sun roof over the air terminal and we were relegated to living and working in temper tents!
That not withstanding, I wasn’t aware of any prohibition to our music, so…
In working with the 4404th Wing (Provisional) Communications Squadron radio maintenance officer (a Major), they helped me set up the PA and sound system for our upcoming commander’s call. Once I plugged in my keyboard, I started to play to test the equipment. As I played the “National Anthem” (using the pipe organ sound), the entire building’s personnel stopped what they were doing to listen, including the Major.
I wasn’t paying attention at the time, but once I s...
It was November, 1996 six months after the Khobar Towers bombing. I was deployed to PSAB (that’s Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). As it happened, I brought my Yamaha electric keyboard to keep me company during my deployment.
As an Air Force first sergeant, my task was to attend to the health, morale, and welfare of the squadron members under my direct supervisory responsibility. I was also responsible for organizing commander’s calls and award ceremonies during my tenure.
Owing to local Saudi sensibilities, we were not allowed to display our National Flag above the tents where we were housed. In fact, the Saudi-side of the air base had hardened building structures with real gold inlay on the marble floors and hand rails. The only hardened facility on our side was the sun roof over the air terminal and we were relegated to living and working in temper tents!
That not withstanding, I wasn’t aware of any prohibition to our music, so…
In working with the 4404th Wing (Provisional) Communications Squadron radio maintenance officer (a Major), they helped me set up the PA and sound system for our upcoming commander’s call. Once I plugged in my keyboard, I started to play to test the equipment. As I played the “National Anthem” (using the pipe organ sound), the entire building’s personnel stopped what they were doing to listen, including the Major.
I wasn’t paying attention at the time, but once I stopped, I saw tears in their eyes… all of their eyes. The Major had been there for most of the six months since the Khobar Towers bombing. It was the first time he’d heard our anthem since his deployment and that terrible day in Dhahran.
I’m sure you’ll get the same response from any member of our uniformed services.
I’m willing to bet you’d get the same reaction from those first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs, etc…) or anyone who’d raised their right hand to swear an oath.
Oh, incidentally, out of 180 some-odd countries that have national anthems, ours is the only one to contain “rockets” and “bombs” in its lyrics. It’s also the only one to end in a question: In effect, “Does my country still exist?” For you history buffs, you’ll know the answer to that question is in the remaining stanzas of F.S. Key’s poem. And they are:
On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep.
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream
'Tis the star-spangled banner. Oh! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation,
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n - rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause is just,
And this be our motto--"In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Ref: http://wcbstv.com/topstories/...
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