Got this in an email today, and whether or not the quote is truly from a Marine Corps Colonel in Afghanistan or not, is not the point. It hits home on the point, and I couldn't agree more:
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 can already see that from your costume, your makeup, and your entourage. Sing 'The Star Spangled Banner' with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America, not about you. And please remember, not everything has to be sung as an ethnic spiritual. We're getting a little weary of that.
Francis Scott Key does not need any help."
Semper Fi!
I agree with him 100%.
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 can already see that from your costume, your makeup, and your entourage. Sing 'The Star Spangled Banner' with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America, not about you. And please remember, not everything has to be sung as an ethnic spiritual. We're getting a little weary of that.
Francis Scott Key does not need any help."
Semper Fi!
I agree with him 100%.
