G'day, Troops. Hope y'all had a great Christ Mass & that the New Year is good to you. Just a short stand-up, today, to give some personal news.
Recently, I had the honor of being invited to sing (and singing) the National
Anthem. For those who are not singers, this is equivalent to a
baseball player getting to play in "The Series". Guess I need to keep
better track, but suffice it to say that this isn't the first time.
This is my favorite hymn (to sing) for several reasons. What? You
didn't know it was a hymn? That's because the 2nd verse is seldom
sung. Look it up in any hymnal & you can see.
I've only been able to sing the 2nd once. Had planned (another time, at the Porterville
Rotary Spring Ball) to follow a guest vocalist who would sing the 1st
verse and I the 2nd, but she couldn't be at there.
Back on track, the reasons it is my favorite are 1) It is an
opportunity to give personal honor to all those who are responsible
for this country. 2) It ain't easy. It takes some effort. 3) It is
the only time (other than teaching a vital class) that I can get up
before a room full of people who outrank me & they not only WANT to
listen to me, but all of military custom and courtesy DEMANDS that
they listen to me.
I'd like to be able to say that it went off flawlessly. Ain't gonna
lie, though. During the dress rehearsal, the first line came out
strongly, but came "show time" it didn't. Finished O.K., but working
so the next time is better. It isn't something where I will accept
O.K. Getting over the bug that almost made me cancel.
Now, all of you who didn't know there was a second verse, or that it
is a hymn, your assignment is to research Francis Scott Key & the
circumstances under which he wrote the Star Spangled Banner.
A couple of tips, for those who are blessed with the chance to sing
it, solo. Choose a key that isn't too high &, when you come to the
parts that feel as though they should be loud, don't try to hold back.
Back away from the mic. & belt it out. For that reason, a hand-held
mic.is best.
O.K. I've got other fish to fry. Get busy studying for the next
election. You need to know the Declaration & Constitution & the voting
records of the candidates. If they vote against any of your God-given
rights, protected by those 2 documents, FIRE THE BUMS!!!
God bless y'all, our Troops in harm's way, our administrative
employees, state & national (with the wisdom to fulfill their oaths &
do what is right) and God bless America!!! Dis-MISSED!!!
Sgt Mack out, closing station & leaving the air.
