Star Spangled, Without Apology

Sometimes, we just get that feeling.  We are Americans and from time to time we feel justifiably proud of our country.  I spend a fair amount of time complaining, like most folks.  I may not like some of the people in power but I love my country.  And today I feel it; that pride, the sense of history and rightness and purpose that my country represents.

Perhaps it is the holiday weekend or the approach of autumn or the possibility of a military strike, but I feel patriotic.  And I would like to share with you some things I have been listening to that have been partly responsible for that feeling. 

Let’s start with our national anthem.  This version is from Madison Rising.  It is not the version you are used to, but I love it.  http://youtu.be/c8C7i9kdEf8

A more traditional version was sung by Whitney Houston as our troops were engaged in conflict in the Persian Gulf.  Say what you want about Ms. Houston, when she died we lost a tremendous voice.  http://youtu.be/Z1QmeEdFOSc

Here is a brief history of the Star Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key during the war of 1812.  http://youtu.be/zDKfw8nysLA

One of the best versions I have heard was done by 5 very young girls.  It is Amazing.  http://youtu.be/OHgTDb_QH98

Here is another history of the song.  http://youtu.be/iwsq7frSB5Q

Generally speaking, at public events we only sing one verse of the song.  Here a gentleman introduces folks to the fourth verse.  http://youtu.be/I0fQd858cRc

Of course The Star Spangled Banner is not our only patriotic song.  Here is a well known version of a classic by Ray Charles.  http://youtu.be/TRUjr8EVgBg

Whitney Houston entertains our service men and women with another classic.  http://youtu.be/aSvH4s-4sCQ

You have probably seen Red Skelton explain the Pledge of Allegiance but it is worth seeing again.  http://youtu.be/eMR6d_9GsCQ

John Wayne also recites the Pledge of Allegiance.  http://youtu.be/3Jf3MQpffBc

The words and a little history behind America the Beautiful. http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/games/songs/patriotic/americamp3.htm

And I will finish with a traditional version of all four versus of our National Anthem.   http://youtu.be/jAYPN-1Yjt0