Oh Say, Can You See

It's shocking the number of American citizens that do not know the lyrics to the National Anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner".

I've sung the National Anthem numerous times for sporting events and, quite frankly, that's where I really memorized the lyrics. But either way, I know them. And if you're a citizen of this great country, you should too...well at least the first and main verse:

Oh say, can you see, by the dawn's early light
What so proudly, we hail, at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there

Oh say, does that star-spangled banner, yet wave
For the land of the free and the home of the brave?

And for kicks and giggles :) here are some of my all-time favorite National Anthem performances/renditions.

//Jennifer Hudson, Super Bowl XLIII
//Whitney Houston, Super Bowl XXV
///Gaither Vocal Band (some of the tightest harmonies I've ever heard)

I'm proud to live in this great country. I love America and what she stands for. I love having the freedom to worship as I wish, believe as I wish and live as I wish. (for the most part) And I love singing the National Anthem. Happy Independence Day, y'all.

Some other helpful Independence Day links:
USA Flag Etiquette - THIS IS WHY I LOATHE THE FLAG ON CLOTHING AND OTHER CRAP LIKE PAPER PLATES AND NAPKINS. If you want to be patriotic display the actual flag or the colors of red, white and blue. Not flag emblazoned stuff. End rant.
History of the American Flag
Fireworks Safety & What Consumers Need to Know