We, the Anthem Singers

We, the Anthem Singers

Commentary by Sanford D. Horn

June 11, 2011

Patriotic kudos to Robert Giannini of Indianapolis for his most eloquently written and passionate LTTE of Friday, June 10, 2011 (The national anthem is…).

For far too long the song that should cause Americans to swell with pride has forced us to grimace in embarrassment at the bastardization and butchery of the Star Spangled Banner. So-called entertainers have more than reinterpreted the tune, but have added words Francis Scott Key never wrote or omitted words he did write.

Giannini rightly suggested that we the people conduct a coup and take back the anthem and sing it loud and proud at sporting events et al. In fact, Giannini’s timing was impeccable. Prior to Friday night’s NHL Stanley Cup game between the Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins, the American and Canadian national anthems were sung exceptionally well – with one twist.

The singer of the Star Spangled Banner sang the anthem as intended. Then, the singer of O Canada, following the first verse, gave way to the crowd in a way that would have made Giannini proud. The hockey fans in Vancouver launched into their anthem in full-throated song as if they had just won the Cup, Olympic gold and a war all in one fell swoop.

We the people of the United States should have such pride and dominion over our anthem.

Sanford D. Horn is an educator and writer living in Westfield, IN.