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-------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."
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