But let me ask you this: Have you ever really listened to the words of the Star Spangled Banner? And for that matter, do you know them? Have you ever memorized them? If I asked you to sing our national anthem right now, could you do it?

What about children today? Do they even know what the Star Spangled Banner is? If you sang it for them, would they recognize it? One time a sixth grade teacher told me that she had played a recording of the Star Spangled Banner for her students and asked if they recognized it. One student replied, “Oh yeah, that’s the song they sing before ball games.” Apparently he didn’t realize that it’s also our national anthem. Pity.

So here’s an idea for American patriotism. As we go through a trial period where the rest of the world views us negatively and as we once again question the values that make us who we are, let us listen to the words of the Star Spangled Banner. This great song reminds us that we are the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” I hope that is as true today as it used to be.

But back to the idea for American patriotism. When we go to these ball games, which is essentially the only place where our national anthem is regularly performed, let’s sing it… all of us. No more performances by Sandy Patti or some solo trumpet player. Let’s all sing the national anthem in unison as we celebrate our country. I would like to see that happen so that everyone will know the words and so we will be unified in song, at least as we come together to participate in sports activities.