Relentlessly mangled at boxing events, our national anthem deserves more respect.
Back in the Fall of 1968, before game five of the World Series, Puerto Rican recording artist Jose Feliciano gave an unconventional rendition of The Star Spangled Banner that caused quite a commotion, and instantly got him dropped from radio airplay.
Fast forward 40 years and virtually every major boxing event is preceded by some clown or clownette trying to make an impression with his/her rendition of the national anthem. It has gotten to the point that I turn down the sound because I can't stand listening to the self-important vocal gymnastics and inevitable build up to the "See what I can do" head voice high note on the word "Free."
It's plainly obvious that these "performers" are more interested in bringing attention to themselves than to the song and the patriotism it represents.
A few nights ago my wife and I watched the Republican debate that was held in South Carolina and it too was preceded by our anthem. A small group of men sang it traditionally and beautifully. My wife turned to me and sighed with relief, "That was nice," she said. There is hope.
Then last Saturday we took our boys to Anaheim Stadium to see Monster Jam. Before those big trucks started spitting dirt and breaking things a five-year-old girl in a frilly black dress gave a plaintive, deliberate and sometimes slightly off key, but very traditional rendition of the anthem. Tears all around. And hope for the future, too.
