The National Anthem

When it comes to the US National Anthem, I am something of a purist. Based on personal beliefs and some national standards, I believe:

• that you should stand and remove your hat.
• that you should put your hand over your heart and face the nearest US flag.
• that you should not sing along. (that's just me)
• that you should never get the words wrong when you are performing it. If you need the words in front of you, do it!
  
• that you can embellish the notes a little bit. I should at least be able to recognize the melody for the most part.

This past weekend, I attended an event where someone performed the national anthem and I was honestly insulted with the performance. The singer did not really stay in key, missed one of the words and changed the melody so much you wouldn't really recognize. I was very, very frustrated. I was close to the point that I wanted to stop this individual and sing it myself. My voice might break on the high notes, but I promise you it would be sung with feeling and reverence to out country.

*steps off soap box*

My feedback to the event staff supports these feelings and I am hopeful something like this does not happen again.