Coach Roy's Random Thoughts....
Do We Really Need....
A Star Spangled Banner day?
The story of the flag flying over Fort McHenry is the story of America as the "shining city on the hill."
The forces of monarchy, dictatorship and rule by outsiders were trying to tear down the uniquely American concept of liberty and freedom. The enemies attacked just one of the obstacles in their path during the night, and the writer, sitting on a ship in Baltimore Harbor, watches to see if the flag continues to fly over Fort McHenry - signifying that it and the union still stands. It is powerful stuff as Francis Scott Key reflects on what it means to be an American of the United States..
But will having a special day prevent pop singers from trying to put their special mark on the song? Will it force the broadcasters to air our national song as part of their pregame?
To be clear, as one of those "press box guys," I proudly play Our "Star Spangled Banner" before every game at my home fields, including the many tournaments I am part of every year. Those who have been there should expect to have to stand as we honor America with the playing of Francis Scott Key's song, either live or from a recording.
My Laptop, I-pod and phone have at least 5 versions, including the Gaither Vocal Band's.
We don't need some half baked performance of "America the Beautiful" - I would invite anyone to hear Sussex County singer Hank Fuller perform the Banner at the Softball World Series, without background music. If you don't want to be moved, come late, because Hank sings it with power and meaning, and none of the vocal gymnastics that singers today seem to feel compelled to add.
The Star Spangled Banner used to be played every morning before school. It is still played before football and baseball games and probably should be played before many more large events start. As a symbol of our beliefs in freedom, it should remain as much a part of events as the coin toss and the first pitch. One old player once told me that a baseball game wasn't a real game unless we played the "Banner" before the first pitch.
But, a separate day will just allow politicians to politicize something that should be ingrained in all of us - respect for the ideals presented in our national song.
A separate day will allow the politicians to have a photo op with some singer who has the flavor of the month Star Spangled Banner performance, and let those who hate the song and what it means further hide or avoid its performance the other 364 days.
And it will give the retailers another "holiday sale" opportunity. God forbid it turns into another 3 day weekend.
Personally, I'll continue to play the Star Spangled Banner before any event that I'm announcing.
To quote the PA announcer at Camden Yards where I copied my introduction, "And now Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, we ask you to please rise, gentlemen remove your hats, as we honor American her veterans, and our American Flag (with location), with the playing of Our "Star Spangled Banner."
Doing that before events is a lot stronger message than just one more day on the calendar.
The story of the flag flying over Fort McHenry is the story of America as the "shining city on the hill."
The forces of monarchy, dictatorship and rule by outsiders were trying to tear down the uniquely American concept of liberty and freedom. The enemies attacked just one of the obstacles in their path during the night, and the writer, sitting on a ship in Baltimore Harbor, watches to see if the flag continues to fly over Fort McHenry - signifying that it and the union still stands. It is powerful stuff as Francis Scott Key reflects on what it means to be an American of the United States..
But will having a special day prevent pop singers from trying to put their special mark on the song? Will it force the broadcasters to air our national song as part of their pregame?
To be clear, as one of those "press box guys," I proudly play Our "Star Spangled Banner" before every game at my home fields, including the many tournaments I am part of every year. Those who have been there should expect to have to stand as we honor America with the playing of Francis Scott Key's song, either live or from a recording.
My Laptop, I-pod and phone have at least 5 versions, including the Gaither Vocal Band's.
We don't need some half baked performance of "America the Beautiful" - I would invite anyone to hear Sussex County singer Hank Fuller perform the Banner at the Softball World Series, without background music. If you don't want to be moved, come late, because Hank sings it with power and meaning, and none of the vocal gymnastics that singers today seem to feel compelled to add.
The Star Spangled Banner used to be played every morning before school. It is still played before football and baseball games and probably should be played before many more large events start. As a symbol of our beliefs in freedom, it should remain as much a part of events as the coin toss and the first pitch. One old player once told me that a baseball game wasn't a real game unless we played the "Banner" before the first pitch.
But, a separate day will just allow politicians to politicize something that should be ingrained in all of us - respect for the ideals presented in our national song.
A separate day will allow the politicians to have a photo op with some singer who has the flavor of the month Star Spangled Banner performance, and let those who hate the song and what it means further hide or avoid its performance the other 364 days.
And it will give the retailers another "holiday sale" opportunity. God forbid it turns into another 3 day weekend.
Personally, I'll continue to play the Star Spangled Banner before any event that I'm announcing.
To quote the PA announcer at Camden Yards where I copied my introduction, "And now Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, we ask you to please rise, gentlemen remove your hats, as we honor American her veterans, and our American Flag (with location), with the playing of Our "Star Spangled Banner."
Doing that before events is a lot stronger message than just one more day on the calendar.
Posted by Coach Roy at 2/17/2012 9:37 AM 
Categories: Pop Culture, US Military, Political Theory, Athletics:Youth Sports
Tags: Star Spangled Banner National Anthem Star Spangled Banner Day Francis Scott Key
Categories: Pop Culture, US Military, Political Theory, Athletics:Youth Sports
Tags: Star Spangled Banner National Anthem Star Spangled Banner Day Francis Scott Key
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