As an American war veteran I come in contact with many other veterans at group functions. I also mingle with veterans at athletic events. Within the groups I mention there is growing resentment concerning the way the National Anthem is commonly presented on public occasions. We feel that the stylized presentation of the anthem is an insult to the flag, the nation, our citizens and our veterans. Several veterans have requested of the athletic director not to provide singers who distort the anthem at any future games. Some veterans have obligated themselves to present the problem to local, state and national bodies of the VFW and American Legion. We would ask that all Americans join us in preserving the true National Anthem of the United States.

Observer Wrote:As an American war veteran I come in contact with many other veterans at group functions. I also mingle with veterans at athletic events. Within the groups I mention there is growing resentment concerning the way the National Anthem is commonly presented on public occasions. We feel that the stylized presentation of the anthem is an insult to the flag, the nation, our citizens and our veterans. Several veterans have requested of the athletic director not to provide singers who distort the anthem at any future games. Some veterans have obligated themselves to present the problem to local, state and national bodies of the VFW and American Legion. We would ask that all Americans join us in preserving the true National Anthem of the United States.

I am in 100% total agreement with you and the disgruntled vets (check the verbage at the bottom of my signature). It's disrespectful and it's out of control. Singing the National Anthem before a ball game is an honor. It's not a time to show off and try to showcase your "talents". It's not an episode of American Idol. It's about a group of Americans gathered to enjoy a ball game taking a moment to pay respect to our flag, our country, and the folks who serve and protect. Just sing the song, as best you can, THE WAY IT WAS WRITTEN. The spotlight is not supposed to be on you (the singer), it's supposed to be on the flag.

The absolute worst I heard was this season during the Saturday game against Arizona St at Zephyr. It was actually a military guy singing it. I thought when I saw the uniform that we'd get a respectful rendition of the Anthem. It was unbelievable how much he butchered the song. Disgraceful. It was so bad I did what I had never done before; I took my hat off my heart, put it on my head, and sat down because what this goofball was singing was not really the National Anthem anyway.

Good luck to the vets in their efforts. If I see what they're doing I will offer to assist.

Rant over. :mad:

I reacted exactly the same way. Furthermore, I have sworn to do the same whenever I hear the anthem sung improperly.

I hear what you're saying, but the right to sing the National Anthem in any way of your choosing represents the very American ideal of Freedom of self-expression. I think that's a good thing, it encorporates the variety, diversity and creativity of our Nation. Many versions of the National Anthem have been sung very well outside of the "normal" way one would come to expect. Some renditions, like when children sing it, can be very poignant. As long has the Anthem is sung well, properly and respectfully, I dont mind variations in it's presentation.

Wavebacker Wrote:I hear what you're saying, but the right to sing the National Anthem in any way of your choosing represents the very American ideal of Freedom of self-expression. I think that's a good thing, it encorporates the variety, diversity and creativity of our Nation. Many versions of the National Anthem have been sung very well outside of the "normal" way one would come to expect. Some renditions, like when children sing it, can be very poignant. As long has the Anthem is sung well, properly and respectfully, I dont mind variations in it's presentation.

To each his own. To me stylizing it so that the focus is you and not the flag is not "proper and respectful." It is typical, though, of our "it's all about me" culture. The concept of "diversity" is thrown around quite a bit as well as if it's value is so inherernt and universally agreed upon that to cite some contribution to "diversity" somehow makes any activity automatically worthwhile. Sort of like the way invoking the term "free speech" is supposed to automatically justify any half-baked expression of thought (unless, of course, it upsets the left), and the imaginary legal construct "seperation of Church and state" is invoked to automatically justify any assault on Christianity.

I agree with you whole heartedly about the improper of choose of "separation of church and state". It has been bastardized into being used as an assault on Christian values. Much the same way that the Civil rights movement is now being used to justify gay marriages :mad: (that really pisses me off).

But on the terms of the national anthem, I have to say as long as it is sung well, I appreciate it. Actually the version that upsets me the most is when some opera wannabe starts hacking it up and trying to show their rane and how long they can hold a note. But as long as it is being sung, I will respect it.

Where y'at mump?

Congrats to the coogs on the series win this weekend vs ULM.

Good luck in the CUSA basketball tourney. We actually squeaked in as a 12 seed but I don't see us lasting very long. :rolleyes: I think we've got DePaul first.

I am in Missouri City a suburb of Houston.

Congrats to you guys on making the tourney. As we know from experience that is easier said than done.

I still stand by what I said when you guys beat us earlier this year. Your team should pick up the tempo more. Your point guard was born to run up and down the floor and you have excellant shooters to kick the ball out to on a drive to the basket. We only got back into the game when you guys started to try to run your set offense.

Good luck against Depaul!!

uhmump95 Wrote:I am in Missouri City a suburb of Houston.

:rofl:

Actually mump where y'at is a N.O. expression that's a greeting. It means more like "how you doing?" than "where are you located?".

I think it originated amongst musicians who, when they saw one another floating around in the Quarter would ask, "Where y'at?", meaning, what club are you playing tonight? It caught on.

Now I feel really smart :bang:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

uhmump95 Wrote:Now I feel really smart :bang:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I got fooled too, mump. :laugh:

uhmump95 Wrote:But on the terms of the national anthem, I have to say as long as it is sung well, I appreciate it. Actually the version that upsets me the most is when some opera wannabe starts hacking it up and trying to show their rane and how long they can hold a note. But as long as it is being sung, I will respect it.

Well, myself, nor any veterans I know agree with your sentiments here. And if it isn't sung right, I don't respect it.