The Superbowl is now one for the history books. Completed passes, interceptions, touchdowns, field goals, and other notable highlights and stats. All in all, a really good game. Very competitive and I’m sure a real roller coaster for each team’s fans.
Then, there are two other “events” of the broadcast that most folks look forward to seeing. The commercials and the singing of the national anthem.
I enjoyed the commercials this year. Most made me made me laugh out loud, a couple caused me to scratch my head, and a few really looked amazing!
And then there’s the National Anthem. Whatever the sporting event, I look forward to the performance of “The Star Spangled Banner.”
At last night’s Superbowl, our national anthem was performed by Christina Aguilera. Even before the game ended, it was being reported around the web that Miss Aguilera messed up the lyrics
In addition, her “song styling” was being widely criticized. In short, many of the comments I read from others felt she butchered the song.
I have to agree.
I’m tired of seeing Hollywood recording “artists,” who can’t carry a tune in a bucket, repeatedly ruin “The Star Spangled Banner.” They run scales, screech, bellow, and holler their way through it. I’m continually disappointed.
Well, here’s how to fix it. Consider this an open memo to the NFL, Major League Baseball and all other professional sports leagues.
Do away with the Hollywood star performances. We all know they’re only there for one reason. To promote their careers, album, television show, or motion picture. The singing of the national anthem is not a gig, stint, appearance, or session. It is an HONOR. It’s even defined and stated as such when the singer is being introduced. “To honor America, please welcome…”
So, let’s give this honor to those Americans who really understand what honor is. The men and women serving in our armed forces.
The NFL (and other sports organizations) should make it a policy to only allow members of the armed services to perform the national anthem. Our military can certainly find qualified singers and performers who are more than capable.
Not only will our military heroes do a better job singing the national anthem, they’ll certainly interpret the song correctly knowing first hand its deeper meaning.
And why not, for once, give this singular spotlight to those who are prepared to make the supreme sacrifice for our freedom. They fight for our right to sing this song openly and freely. They should be given this stage at every sporting event across this great land or ours.
So, I challenge the NFL, MLB, NBA,and other sports organizations to give the honor of singing “The Star Spangled Banner” to those who understand and know best its words, music, history, and duty.
We have a similar situation in Canada when it comes to Hockey. Some critics say the microphone & echo ruins the Anthem.
Others say they should do away with it like they do in cricket and many other sports. Hockey may promote unity and inspiration especially amongst children – But it has become heavily commercialized like every other sport.
O Canada, was meant to remind us of a simpler time about how Canadian forefathers struggled to make their community and protect their homes.
Anyway, I think this issue left to an open debate is best.
I say keep the anthems, but allow those who serve to perform them. It’s a win-win.
Amen, Mark!
The US military services each have a number of ‘bands’ that include singers of great talent. Yes, they would probably have scheduling conflicts, as they are on the road a lot, but I’m sure a request made early enough could easily be penciled in on appropriate schedules.
And let’s not forget the non-band members. The USAF, for instance, has its ‘Tops in Blue’ program, where amateurs get the chance to strut their stuff, as well.
We have a lot of talented people in the service. We should give them the chance.
Thanks, kzimm, for all the additional info.:) I’m hoping that someone in the NFL, NBA, MLB, etc. reads this blog post and the sees your comments and terrific suggestions!