I recently watched a documentary about Americans’ Martin and Gracia Burnham. They were captured by an Islamic rebel group in the Philippines, while celebrating their anniversary. They, along with others, were held hostage for over a year. Sadly, Martin was killed on the day they were to be rescued.
During the documentary, Gracia spoke of one day when Martin was forced, by the Islamic group, to sing our National Anthem. They heard, by radio, of the events that happened in America on 9/11 and the Islamic group was mocking us. Gracia said Martin’s heart ached for America, and with tears streaming down his face, he sang The Star Spangled Banner with all his heart. Gracia said that even in his current situation, his thoughts were with his home and the tragedy that occurred here. He stood up and got through the song while their capturers laughed and mocked him the entire time. That, folks, is what you call a hero.
Now, fast forward to this past weekend…Will and I were watching the Olympics as Phelps won a gold medal to add to his collection. Our president was in the audience watching the event and we felt proud when our National Anthem was played right there in China. But, we were shocked when someone cut it off before the final words were played out. We are sure that was not an intentional move.
As we sat there, we started talking about teaching Willis the words to the National Anthem. We both started singing it to him and both realized that during certain parts we were sort of singing without forming words and then singing the words we knew really loud. I was pretty embarrassed that we didn’t know each and every word.
I immediately looked up the words and we sat there singing that song over and over until we had the words down. Yes, it sounded like of one those American Idol auditions that they use to show how badly people sing, but we didn’t care. And, guess what? Willis now sings, “Oh, say can you seeeeeeeee….” He hasn’t gotten any further, because I think he just loves to say “seeeeee” and then start over.
My point about this blog is that every American should know the words to our National Anthem. I challenge you now to try singing the song. Yes, right now. Go ahead….I’m waiting.
Did you know all the words? If so, that is great! If not, you might feel a little embarrassed like Will and I did. Actually, we felt a LOT embarrassed. We talk about our soldiers a lot and all that America has faced to date. We should have known those words, but when you don’t sing it every day, you forget. We did. We know them now though, and we are proud of it too!
I would like to print the words for you here. By the way, if you don’t know what the word rampart means…we didn’t…here is the definition—A type of defensive wall consisting of a low earthen embankment topped by a parapet or palisade.
Now, stand up, put your hand over your heart and sing LOUD…I want to hear you right here in South Carolina. And the next time you are at an event where this is played, I want you to sing each and every word as loud and proud as you possibly can!
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light,
During the documentary, Gracia spoke of one day when Martin was forced, by the Islamic group, to sing our National Anthem. They heard, by radio, of the events that happened in America on 9/11 and the Islamic group was mocking us. Gracia said Martin’s heart ached for America, and with tears streaming down his face, he sang The Star Spangled Banner with all his heart. Gracia said that even in his current situation, his thoughts were with his home and the tragedy that occurred here. He stood up and got through the song while their capturers laughed and mocked him the entire time. That, folks, is what you call a hero.
Now, fast forward to this past weekend…Will and I were watching the Olympics as Phelps won a gold medal to add to his collection. Our president was in the audience watching the event and we felt proud when our National Anthem was played right there in China. But, we were shocked when someone cut it off before the final words were played out. We are sure that was not an intentional move.
As we sat there, we started talking about teaching Willis the words to the National Anthem. We both started singing it to him and both realized that during certain parts we were sort of singing without forming words and then singing the words we knew really loud. I was pretty embarrassed that we didn’t know each and every word.
I immediately looked up the words and we sat there singing that song over and over until we had the words down. Yes, it sounded like of one those American Idol auditions that they use to show how badly people sing, but we didn’t care. And, guess what? Willis now sings, “Oh, say can you seeeeeeeee….” He hasn’t gotten any further, because I think he just loves to say “seeeeee” and then start over.
My point about this blog is that every American should know the words to our National Anthem. I challenge you now to try singing the song. Yes, right now. Go ahead….I’m waiting.
Did you know all the words? If so, that is great! If not, you might feel a little embarrassed like Will and I did. Actually, we felt a LOT embarrassed. We talk about our soldiers a lot and all that America has faced to date. We should have known those words, but when you don’t sing it every day, you forget. We did. We know them now though, and we are proud of it too!
I would like to print the words for you here. By the way, if you don’t know what the word rampart means…we didn’t…here is the definition—A type of defensive wall consisting of a low earthen embankment topped by a parapet or palisade.
Now, stand up, put your hand over your heart and sing LOUD…I want to hear you right here in South Carolina. And the next time you are at an event where this is played, I want you to sing each and every word as loud and proud as you possibly can!
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Also, check out this link—if it doesn’t bring a tear to your eye, then I don’t know what will---
Also, check out this link—if it doesn’t bring a tear to your eye, then I don’t know what will---
2 comments:
What a beautiful post, Cindy!
You know, long ago when I was a civics teacher, I decided to start off my school year by having the students write down the words to the Pledge of Allegiance. Most didn't know all of the words exactly, nor did they know what they meant. What we would discuss after defining each and every word out loud is that so many American recite the Pledge and National Anthem from rhote memory, with little understanding of their history or meaning. I would spend few days on this, including follow-up history lessons on the flag, etc.
I would end by reading a short story out loud to them about communism sneaking into a civics classroom...UGH! I can't remember the name of it, but I have it at home and will send it to you tonight. I think you will find it an interesting read!
The name of the short story is "The Children's Story" by James Clavell. You should check it out.
Here is the link on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Story-James-Clavell/dp/0440204682/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220102322&sr=8-1
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