Our National Anthem‏

Our National Anthem

It is just me who was appalled at Christinea Aguilera's rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, Our National Anthem, at the 2011 Super Bowl?

The Star Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 after a fierce 25-hour battle. One can only imagine the relief of, not only Mr. Key to see the flag, but the brave men who, come the dawn, survived the battle .

It is supposedly an honor to be asked to sing Our National Anthem at an occasion like the Super Bowl, in front of an audience of millions. And for someone to sing it in that manner is unconscionable.

   

A little history lesson:

"During the War of 1812. on September 13, 1814 Francis Scott Key visited the British fleet in Chesapeake Bay to secure the release of Dr. William Beanes who had been captured after the burning of Washington DC. The release was completed, but Key was held by the British overnight during the shelling of Fort McHenry, one of the forts defending Baltimore. In the morning, Key peered through clearing smoke to see an enormous American Flag proudly flying after a 25-hour British bombardment of Fort McHenry. He was so delighted to see the flag still flying over the fort he began a poem to commemorate the occasion, with a note that should it be should be sung to the popular British melody "To Anacreon in Heaven"

Taken from "A service of the Superintendent of Documents".

The Star Spangled Banner should be sung with the same respect that we give to the flag itself, respectfully and reverently, giving the words meaning, not as an opportunity for a singer to practice arias. We can only hope that the Super Bowl committee is more careful in the future in their selection of who is chosen to sing our National Anthem.

Dorothy B. Fitzgerald