Letter to the Editor: Don't Mess With National Anthem Tradition

To the Editor:

At first I couldn’t believe it. My hand went to cover my mouth, then to my ears. There it was on national TV, caterwauling in indescribable discord. When I finally realized that no blood was flowing and saw a futile attempt to make melodic sense of the noise, my hand went over my heart in respect as I listened to the death of a most respected and dear tradition. I witnessed the death of our National Anthem.

I wasn’t alone. Millions watched as Christina Aquilera murdered our sacred traditional song, a song that represents all Americans and their devotion to their country. It was a song unrecognizable. Not only did she not know the lyrics but she sounded like she was trying to find a note, any note, to carry her through the ordeal. Her style was of utmost importance to her. It made no sense in the anthem. The relevance and respect for our country’s anthem and what it represents was missing.

As the camera panned through the faces in the crowd you could see people looking away and rolling their eyes. Our own military looked bored or dismayed. Usually they show more respect when our anthem is sung. Sometimes they even cross their heart out of respect when the flag is flying during the anthem. Could it be they didn’t recognize the song and were at ease? They showed little or no outward display of respect? 

If there is one thing I learned watching the 2011 Super Bowl it is, don't mess with tradition. Our anthem should be sung so that all the people can join in and express their pride for their country. Christina’s rendition of our National Anthem ranks down there with Roseann Barr. At least Michael Bolton could hold the tune, even though he may have forgotten some of the lyrics. If the singer cannot sing our anthem with the traditional tune and lyrics, he or she should at least have the common courtesy to decline the opportunity. We the public cannot recognize it any more. Kids can’t sing it. Why bother to sing it if you can’t give it the respect and decorum it deserves? I know I am not alone when I say, don't mess with our national anthem.

Ina Schoonover