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Star Spangled Banner
Topic Started: Sep 24 2012, 05:43 PM (745 Views)
Pasta
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Dear All:

I got the following link from an old friend whose son retired as Sgt. Major a couple of years ago and did serve two tours in Iraq.

The Star Spangled Banner ("SSB") is born from military conflict giving rise to the nation - the USA. It is I believe the most meaningful national anthem in the world and is so pure and simple in its story. It is a true story, not a song designed and constructed to reflect a nation's values and identity. We get that from the story.

Here is a link to the story behind the words of the SSB: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hZe8CPGA1E&feature=related

Here is another one that I like better though there might be some small factual exaggerations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFXjoa6-p-4

And here is a rock band version of the SSB: http://www.starspangledbannerchallenge.com/

It is interesting that a rock band would re-do a national anthem, but the SSB is not a normal national anthem. Very Bruce Springsteenish. I hope everyone enjoys and appreciates this effort even though some might not like heavy rock.
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Pasta
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The first post I also sent out as email to a mailing list and included the person who sent the link to me. I just got the following from him:

Quote:
 
Greg,
Excellent follow-up on my email.  As far as Jim goes, he retired as a Division Command Sergeant Major.  That’s the top rank for an enlisted person in the army.  He was in charge of over 20,000 troops and at least that many civilians.  There are only nine soldiers in the army that hold those positions and one that holds the position of Command Sergeant Major of the Army.  And yes he served two tours in Iraq.  But also served in Afghanistan and Bosnia.  Thank God every day that he made it home safe and all in one piece, taking into account that 29 of his troops were killed in action during these deployments.  Take care and thanks for the below message.
Ron


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Pasta
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The following is one of a number of replies to my email that I received:

Quote:
 
Hi Greg,

Many years ago I visited Ft McHenry and have studied not only the lyrics, but the story behind the poem and the history. Awe inspiring!

I've previously seen this video of a metal band doing the Star Spangled Banner and, even though I'm not a fan of that musical genre, was quite impressed. They presented the song in a unique, but reverent, perspective. They did it much more justice than most of the celebrities at ball games.

How are you?

Thanks,

Merrel
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Norbert
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There are two bridges in the US named after Francis Scott Key who wrote the above song. During times of traffic jams, they are referred to as the Car Strangled Spanner.
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John
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unsurprisingly I prefere my own.
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Steelstallions
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Norbert,Sep 27 2012
11:27 AM
There are two bridges in the US named after Francis Scott Key who wrote the above song. During times of traffic jams, they are referred to as the Car Strangled Spanner.

I wouldn't get that in a pub quiz <yikes>
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