Much as I respect the anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner," I find the words and music of "America the Beautiful" so much better.  Samuel A. Ward's tune and harmony are moving, dignified, uplifting and singable.  Katherine Lee Bate's text embodies our country's splendor and nobility and humility -- all that I like to think comprised the American spirit in the land where I grew up and that I pray defines us now and in years to come.  So my hat's off to Goshen College!  chris hoh

I teach the Star Spangled Banner and its history every year to every class because of the importance it holds.  Personally, without the "violence" that took place, those opposed to the song would not have the freedom to practice any religion they choose.

Good for them!  What will they play/sing instead? 

I have always thought that America the Beautiful should be our National Anthem. 

But then, Mennonites have been consciencious objectors in all our wars, I believe. 

Could they create a trend for a 'peaceful' anthem?

 

Eloise Porter

Voice101@gmail.com

Russell:  The American Revolution was not about freedom of religion;  it was about economics.  Canada managed to become independent from England without violence, and there's plenty of freedom of religion here.

"My Country 'Tis of Thee" is another alternative: though not as melodic, the musically unschooled would find it easier to sing.  You can debate about whether it's good or bad that it could be considered an homage to the country's English roots.  Then again, that's more historically appropriate than having your roots in a drinking song, as does "The Star Spangled Banner."  (Or is it?)

Russell is so right. Without those of us who have been willing to fight for this country's freedoms, the various conscientious objectors would have no choice as to what to sing anywhere.

 

Religious freedom in one thing. Life to live it is another.  So far as the national anthem is concerned, it has been murdered by so many that I dread to hear the next mutilation at a ballgame or race or anywhere. America the Beautiful is a good choice. I love the slow respectful, quasi religious manner that Ray Charles sang it; it has character. It should be sung in a straight forward manner with no effort to show off. No crooning, no "ecstasiising" - just honest respect, in a manner that all in attendance can join in singing. Lead-don't show off if you are asked to sing.

 

 

 

Philip,

For what it's worth, it didn't just miss your radar. To my knowledge, this never appeared on the news in Ft. Wayne, and we're a skosh over an hour away and the largest city nearby. In conservative and very patriotic Ft. Wayne, I'm very surprised this didn't make our local news.

Brian

After reading everyone's comments, I really feel that I have to say . . . it is what it is . . . just because WE don't want to be aggressive or violent does not mean that those attributes were not necessary to gift us with this wonderful country in which we live.  Like it or not, this is a worldwide phenomenon.  Our great counrty was born on the sacrfifice of those who valued our freedom enough to sacrifice their own for us.  My father fought in a war.  My grandfather fought in a war.  It is the price we pay for the right to have the opinion that violence is not the solution.  I support their right to have their opinion, but I am greatful and thankful for the many sacrifices that have been made for us all.  I will not disrespect their efforts or sacrifices in order to proclaim my desire not to fight.  I don't have to fight, but I cannot disregard the actions of our forefathers.  My students all learn the entire story and I teach them to respect our country and what it has taken to keep us great.  After that, the choice is theirs.  But in MY classroom or chorus, we will be respectful. 

Speaking of the back-story...

 

Most folks have probably forgotten that the poem was written during the bombardment of Ft. McHenry, and that the "rockets" and "bombs" belonged to the British, not the Americans.  It certainly reflects a military context, but at least until we get to "Conquer we must!" it's more about survival of a new nation than about bloodying our foes.  It's easy to see why the children and grandchildren of the Revolution held it dear.

 

But why, oh why, are we the only(?) nation who finish our national anthem with a question mark???  The first verse, the only one we ever hear, says basically: "At sunset, the fort was still flying the flag - i.e., had not surrendered.  Through the night we caught glimpses of it during the shelling.  It's morning now.  Is the flag still flying?"  That question is answered in the second verse, which no one ever seems to sing.

 

Having said all that, I'll cast another vote for "America, the Beautiful".  It sings better and the lyrics speak thoughtfully to our national experience.

Brilliant, love it! As the great Buddhist Monk who was a refuge from the Vietnam War, Thich Nhat Han, says, "There is no way to peace. Peace is the only way." America the Beautiful is a much better national anthem. Go Mennonites (and Quakers, and Unitarians...)!

 

It is our national anthem!! The song is in our 4th and 5th grade music books.  I visited Ft. McHenry years ago, and have a copy of the manuscript of Francis Scott Key's handwriting.  I have the 4th graders read through a small play, entitled "O'er the Ramparts," so they can understand when and where our anthem was written.  I expect the students to have the first verst memorized by 5th grade.  National Anthem Day is in September and we will again be working on this.  My husband served in the Army during the Vietnam War and my stepson is in the Army National Guard, was in Iraq and is getting ready to go to Afghanistan.  We have a Statue of Liberty in our back yard. Yes, we are patriotic.  Yes, I remind the students to display proper etiquette whenever our national anthem is played or sung at all sporting events.  Our gold Olympic winners have tears in their eyes when our anthem is played. And, we should be proud to stand and face the flag and sing our anthem of the United States of America!   Carol in Rockford, IL