A Patriotic Moment; Worst Rendition of anthem was ‘perfect’
I found the following story linked on a good friends blog (Ramblings). I know when I read it my allergies kicked in right away and my eyes started watering. It’s just a warning that the same may happen to you. It made me proud!
Worst rendition of anthem was ‘perfect’
The News-Enterprise
By COL. RICK SCHWARTZ
Guest columnistI was a sideline observer to a remarkable event that occurred Tuesday night at North Hardin High School.
Our Fort Knox High School boys varsity soccer team was taking on local rival North Hardin in what turned out to be a well-played and physical match.It was Senior Night for the Trojans and our Fort Knox players waited patiently on the sidelines while North Hardin parents recognized the many contributions and highlights involving their children.
At the end of the ceremony, parents left the field and the boys lined up for introductions. The announcer called each starting player by position. Once complete, both teams turned and faced the flag and stood ready for the national anthem. After a brief pause, the announcer came on and said he had misplaced the CD and that we would just skip the national anthem and get on with the game.
North Hardin broke from its formation and quickly assumed positions on the field. The referees took off at a slow jog to take their positions. Fort Knox didn’t move. Instead, the Eagles all came together in a mass, continued to face the flag, placed their hands over their hearts and started to sing the national anthem.
North Hardin and the referees froze in their tracks and immediately placed their hands over their hearts.
The crowd saw what was happening and quickly faced the flag and joined in. Voices cracked in the stands and on the field. It was the worst rendition of the national anthem that I’ve ever heard. Yet … It was perfect.
Ever wonder what’s “right” with our kids? Sometimes we find the answer in the strangest places.
Col. Rick Schwartz is Fort Knox garrison commander.
