Ray and JoJo Loc: Florida--Tenneessee

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 !

edfed Loc: Melbourne. Florida

Colonel - I couldn't agree with you more. I have been saying that for years. Glad that someone else agrees with my views.

Ground pounding Army Sarge of Viet Nam

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

If I may add my vote. Granted, many of the singers have beautiful voices but our National Anthem was written and music scored many years ago in the most respectful way. I don't like a rock 'n roll beat nor long high pitched screeches.

Sing it natural.

Sarge69

Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL

Sing it with interpretation, if you like, just make sure it enhances the original.

And,

"not EVERYTHING has to sung as a Negro spiritual"?

Wow.

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

FrumCA

Right on Colonel! Thanks.

jamitjim73 Loc: Franklin,Tn.

Thank you thank you thank you

DaveMM Loc: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Well said. I'm obviously not American, but I have seen some of these guys and have wondered how they could do it to their national anthem.

Cragzop Loc: NYC

Amen.

bvm Loc: Glendale, Arizona

Because they're real JERKs!

nafplyr Loc: Chicago

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Colin Holmes Loc: Luton England

Thank goodness someone has spoken up. Hearing your anthem sung at times makes me cringe with embarrassment, warbling belly aching noise. Good on you Colonel. Total respect to those who can do it right.

Cragzop Loc: NYC

Because they truly do not have a sense of pride about being an American. Their egos are what motivates them.

I'm not some Xenophobic, jingoistic, asshole (though some may differ) who says my country right or wrong, but I do appreciate all the wondrous things this country has done for the world. I mean let's face it, if it wasn't for oil and suicide bombers, Islam sure hasn't contributed much to the world. Let's not forget that it was British and American engineering that shook the oil to the top, or else it never would have left the depths of Saudi Arabia.
That said, it has become de rigueur to bash this country by Hollywood and all ilk in the entertainment world, those who drive multimillion dollar cars and live in mansions on the sea.

bonjac Loc: Santa Ynez, CA 93460

Right on !!!

One Camera One Lens Loc: Traveling

Don't ever disrespect this country, as a x marine (always a Marine) I WILL slap you along side your ego sucking ass you use for a brain.........................