Our National Anthem
A recent letter from the headmaster of Harvester Christian Academy attempted to compare the choice of playing the National Anthem to the taking of communion at a church. He referenced that different churches observe the sacraments at different intervals.The headmaster also stated it gave his school an opportunity to discuss political correctness and how it is used to force individuals and organizations to conform to others’ agendas. I didn’t realize playing the National Anthem was considered political correctness. Since it has been a tradition for, I believe, more than 100 years to play it before sporting events at all levels and at military events.
The main reason to play the National Anthem is to show patriotism to your country and to give strength to the citizens.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” is one of the most important representations of the United States as an independent country. Its lyrics and melody inspire the citizens to honor their homeland with great joy and pride. It was written as a patriotic song with its purpose to evoke the country’s struggles of the past, traditions, as well as history. I would also think the school would want to play it to honor America’s military, which has sacrificed so much.
Thankfully, the U.S military gave them that freedom, so to refer to having to play the National Anthem as political correctness is wrong.
Tom Quattlebaum, Newnan
