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Patriotism Epitomized
I didn’t watch the Super Bowl, but I’ve watched this video of Gladys Knight twice. Beautifully sung. Touching moment with our troops. Military jets soaring.
Every now and then, being reminded that we are all part of something bigger is soul-filling.
Thank you, Ms. Knight, for bringing dignity to our country for just a few moments.
Published in General
“Epitomized” is precisely correct.
On further reflection, I realize that this video says a lot about our country in these times. It may be a coincidence of the filming, but not one black player shown put his hand over his heart during her rendition. Also note that we live in times when we can watch a beautiful, successful black woman, dressed for the occasion, belting out our most patriotic song, and she does it with great pride. Interesting contrasts.
For Ms. Knight’s reflections on her performance, visit here .
I watched most of the Super Bowl…but I had to run out in the bitter cold and help a lady change a flat tire. Now…listen…I don’t wanna toot my own horn. But…going out in 25 mile-an-hour wind with snow coming down, with temps down to 0 with windchill…that’s patriotism, too. And it is what we Americans still do. It’s who we are. Anyone would do that, because it is in our character.
Some folks would seek to divide us. To tell us that we hate each other. We know that is a lie. Because for most of us, in our day to day lives, it just isn’t true.
Wow. Hurray for her! Thank you Gladys!
Yes it was great. Even my German wife was moved. We have such a great country!
Also impressive was the timing of the flyover. Must take amazing planning and precision.
PS. Standing is enough for me. I don’t want it to mean something if someone doesn’t put his hand over his heart.
Well, @spin, you’ve had the best of both worlds: being a wonderful American helping your neighbor, and now you can watch Gladys Knight! Good job. You’re a good man.
It’s hard to disagree, @franco. I don’t expect people to do that necessarily. At the same time, if it’s a protest, it disturbs me.
I never put my hand over my heart during the national anthem. I stand at the position of parade rest. This is what a soldier would do when in civilian clothes. There are a lot of folks who make a big deal about folks not putting their hand over their heart. And I wonder if they look askance at me. Heck with ’em, if they do.
I was never too bothered by the kneeling business. Some folks are just dumb. Again, the media and the left want to separate and divide us. Let’s not let ’em. Let’s not give ’em the time of day!
Susan, I followed your link to what Gladys Knight said about her performance of our National Anthem. She’s a sweet lady and I like what she said.
But. . . .I wish performers would stop making their rendition the center of attention rather than the Anthem. That is, I wish the performers would follow the melody of the song more closely.
Our National Anthem is a wonderful tune, so there’s little reason not to follow the original melody.
I know, I know. I’m old and dusty and so far out of it that I had never even heard of Maroon 5. But when a performer trills, furbelows, and riffs on top of the original melody, I don’t like it.
I like a little furbelow every now and then, but I don’t like a lot.
I do know what you mean, @kentforrester, and I mostly agree. I guess I didn’t mind much, since her riffs were minimal. Still, I get it . . .
Yes! and Yes!!! I’d like her joyful beauty, too!
Exactly as you said, @susanquinn, those were the best moments of the whole affair in my opinion — especially the national anthem. She was wonderful, and inspiring.
What a Lady. Truly a class act.
How in the world did they time the jets to fly over at the exact instant Knight sang the last word of the Anthem? That’s almost miraculous timing!
Sorry guys, I don’t tend to make a big deal about it unless it pertains to me or my children but there is a prescribed way to do it and it is not just standing or parade rest.
36 U.S. Code § 301 – National anthem
(a)Designation.—
The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b)Conduct During Playing.—During a rendition of the national anthem—
(1)when the flag is displayed—
(A)individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B)members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C)all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(2)when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
There are frequently side-bets among the musicians providing the accompaniment. A running time of 2:15 or more and the vocalist is milking it like it’s a Holstein.
Incidentally, even though we have been allowed to render a salute for the past 10 years or so even when in civilian clothing, I still put my hand over my heart. Not for any particular reason other than it’s how I was taught.
I agree with much of this. In fact our customs regarding the anthem have lost their way. Placing your hand over your heart is for the pledge, not the anthem. The respectful thing to do is simply to stand and remove your cap. If you want to do more than the minimum: SING ALONG.
Which brings me to Gladys Knight. As beautiful as her voice is, this is not a great showing. She varies her tempo and takes extended breaks between phrases. She’s not not always in sync with the band. In short, she’s improvising. She’s performing. Performances are about the performer. The anthem shouldn’t be that.
The anthem should be led. The timing doesn’t have to be by the book, but there should be some consistency and predictability so those who want to sing along are able. It is a ceremony that the people should be a part of, not witness to. Otherwise it’s just entertainment.
Thanks so much, @chrishutch13! That is so interesting. I did notice, however, that the military folk who were shown as a group while she sang were at attention, not saluting. Could that be because they weren’t in formal uniform?
Maybe so. In almost every situation where the anthem is sung, I would agree with you. I guess in these times I liked her rendition because it called to our passions, to our love of America, in spite of all the beatings she (America) has been taking of late. Her version was a call out to stand up proud and celebrate. So even though it wasn’t traditional, I gave her some slack because I know she was being sincere.
My sentiments exactly. Call me hard core, but the National Anthem should be sung with dignity and respect, almost like a hymn. Now, I recognize this is personal preference, so any embellishment to me is an artist trying to show off his vocal or instrumental talent . . .
I’ve heard some pretty raucous hymns in gospel!
This has become my favorite rendition of the National Anthem:
The two young sisters who sang America the Beautiful were also quite good, but Gladys was excellent. And unfortunately she might have been the highlight of the entire evening. The game itself was surprisingly lacking in offense, so for those who like soccer over football, it was probably right down their alley. The halftime show was horrible. Are they appealing to teenagers or pre-teens? The only moment of talent was when a woman from the choir delivered a solo with an outstanding voice, speaking understandable English, actually carrying a tune.
The scene in Blues Brothers with James Brown is one of my favorites!
Then they probably weren’t hymns.
For those complaining about the lady wandering off the base melody:
The Star Spangled Banner is a notoriously difficult song to sing. And Gladys is 74 years old. She gave a fantastic performance and made the song match to her current vocal abilities without going too far out of bounds. I’m not much of a singer but even with my limited abilities I recognize that my 59 year old voice doesn’t have the power and range that it had in my younger years.
This.