Change or Make Two National Anthems

Our National Anthem is "The Star-Spangled Banner." It was written by Francis Scott Key (a lawyer) after his experience on a British warship overnight as the British pounded Fort McHenry outside Baltimore during the War of 1812 (September 13-14, 1814 A.D.). The bombardment went on for 25 hours. In the morning, Mr. Key was relieved to see our flag was still flying, meaning we hadn't surrendered. The poem, now our National Anthem, is four verses long, but we usually only get to hear the first verse before football games, etc. The poem was originally called "The Defense of Fort McHenry." It was widely published in the US and someone decided it fit the tune of the British drinking song, "To Anacreon in Heaven." The poem was later renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner" and became our national anthem in 1931. I highly encourage everyone to read the full poem. It's a great work.

Like most other Americans, I well up with pride when I hear the national anthem and see a flag waving, in particular if I'm in uniform outside and saluting. It's a great feeling.

What is my problem with this song? I have four. First, it was never meant to be a song. Second, the part we always hear (first verse) is just about the flag, not the country. Third, the tune it's put to is a British drinking song with march music. It sounds far too imperial, especially when compared to others I hear at the olympics. Fourth, it was written by a lawyer.

Other countrys' anthems are about how great the country and its people are. What kind of songs do we have that compare? Well, three great alternatives are out there, "God Bless America," "My Country 'Tis of Thee," and "America the Beautiful."

These are all ideal, but "God Bless America" couldn't pass muster these days since we're not allowed to mention God anymore (Commies and their lawyers) and He's right up-front in this song. Those who oppose such a thing should read the fourth verse of "The Star-Spangled Banner." It's all about Heaven and God.

"My Country 'Tis of Thee" is a great song, BUT it's tune is "God Save the Queen [or King]." That is the anthem of the British Empire... no good, especially when done instrumentally on an international stage.

"America the Beautiful" is perfect. The tune is soft, the words are easy to remember, and it talks about the country, not just the flag. It mentions God in the words, but so does "The Star-Spangled Banner" (fourth verse). Therefore, I propose we change the national anthem to "America the Beautiful."

There have been a number of movements over the past 50 years to get the song classified as the National Hymm or as A national anthem equal to "The Star-Spangled Banner." It's time to make it happen.

Thoughts?