...Debate over the National Anthem Lonny Wood COM/155 February 23, 2014 Eva Harvey Debate over the National Anthem In early September of 2001, the United States of America found itself under attack yet again. Later on that tragic day, after the dust had cleared, Americans witnessed as three firefighters raised the American flag over what was once the World Trade Center. This one picture put the world on notice: the United States of America was still here. America’s pride had suffered a blow, but the attack rekindled America’s patriotism. Songs where sung from the floors of the New York Stock Exchange to the halls of congress. People were singing, God Bless America and America the Beautiful, and the American flag flew throughout the land. As the days passed, speculation of America national anthem came into question, renewing a debate as to whether the Star Spangled Banner should continue to be the national anthem. Having a debate over the United States’ national anthem while preparing for war might have seemed trivial; however, this was not the first time in which the Star Spangled Banner as the national anthem came into question. In the 1960’s during the Vietnam War, questions arose as to whether or not that United States should change the national anthem. It would seem that the question of the national anthem comes to mind during times of war, when American patriotism is at a high point. This leads to the question of which song should replace the current anthem...
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...In America today, there is a lot of controversy on just about everything, no matter how trivial it may be. One topic that has many public figures, including our current President Donald Trump, in debate is the fact that a few NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem as a peaceful way to protest. Some people believe this is a great disgrace to our country, while others think that is a great way to peacefully protest against police brutality. Regardless of what people think on the topic, one must first take a look at the history of the song they are protesting or fighting for. In times of great distress and turmoil greatness can arise, and in the hours The Star-Spangled Banner came into fruition was no exception. Francis Scott Key was...
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...free home of the brave. These are the words that are cited when we sing the Star Spangled Banner. This is our song dedicated to our country. The Pledge of Allegiance was cited every morning before school started when I attended. It was our way of giving thanks to those that have fought and died for our freedom. Unfortunately, somewhere down the line, citing the Pledge of Allegiance became a political and religious issue. In this paper, I will summarize the points of the Supreme Court case Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow. I will also discuss the levels of the court through which the case evolved before it reached the Supreme Court. Next, I will briefly explain the decision of the Supreme Court and explain the fundamental impact that the court decision in question has had on American society in general and on ethics in American society in particular. Then, I will discuss whether I believe that the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance is a religious issue or a sign of respect for the United States. Finally, I will discuss whether or not I think public schools should be allowed to recite the pledge. In schools, children need to understand the importance of freedom and what it means to be patriotic in America. In doing so, every morning teachers lead their students in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The words “under God” somewhere down the line became a debate that had to be looked at. In the case of Elk Grove Unified School District v...
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...This article by Martina Stewart and Vanessa Romo focuses on Trump criticizing the NFL and ties politics with professional sports. The U.S exists as a country where the citizens have the right to free speech and expression which became extremely limited under British governance. This current debate over sitting or kneeling which has been very divisive for our country. It dates back to 2016 when Colin Kaepernick rejected to stand during the ¨Star-Spangled Banner¨ to protest racial injustice in the U.S. Contrary to Kaepernick intentions, Donald Trump says that kneeling during the anthem is unpatriotic and that anyone who opposes risks losing a job. Amateur and professional athletes alike refuse to stand for the national anthem of a country that...
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...of the free home of the brave. These are the words that are cited when we sing the Star Spangled Banner. This is our song dedicated to our country. The Pledge of Allegiance was cited every morning before school started when I attended. It was our way of giving thanks to those that have fought and died for our freedom. Unfortunately, somewhere down the line, citing the Pledge of Allegiance became a political and religious issue. In this paper, I will summarize the points of the Supreme Court case Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow. I will also discuss the levels of the court through which the case evolved before it reached the Supreme Court. Next, I will briefly explain the decision of the Supreme Court and explain the fundamental impact that the court decision in question has had on American society in general and on ethics in American society in particular. Then, I will discuss whether I believe that the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance is a religious issue or a sign of respect for the United States. Finally, I will discuss whether or not I think public schools should be allowed to recite the pledge. In schools, children need to understand the importance of freedom and what it means to be patriotic in America. In doing so, every morning teachers lead their students in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The words “under God” somewhere down the line became a debate that had to be looked at. In the case of Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow...
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...From the 1968 Olympics where Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists during the National Anthem in solidarity with black people to Colin Kaepernick kneeling for the anthem in the past year or two, protesting in sports has always been around. The anthem is a very sensitive topic to debate on and although some people may say that not standing for the anthem is disrespectful to our veterans, the athletes are exercising their rights that are protected under the first Amendment Colin Kaepernick and the other athletes taking the knee are not being disrespectful, they are just standing up for what they believe in. There is a deeper meaning behind their controversial message. "I'm not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color... To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder." (Colin). Kaepernick is using his platform to make a change. His protest is incredibly important especially in light of recent events in this country. It is important for this message to be heard...
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...Athletes across the nation are taking a stand… by not standing. After NFL quarterback, Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the “Star Spangled Banner” in 2016, it exploded into a nationwide debate. Since then, many other athletes have also started protesting during the national anthem. The protests have sparked a flurry of both support and opposition, with some praising athletes for being brave enough to publicly take a stand for what is right, and others harshly criticizing athletes and labeling them as brattish and disrespectful. Some have even gone as far as sending death threats. Making it mandatory for athletes to stand may seem like a simple solution, but it comes with its own set of problems. Requiring athletes to stand for the national anthem,...
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...Essay: The Lottery Is a tradition actually a good thing? We have a lot of traditions: We celebrate Christmas, sing the national anthem at every football match and we go to church every Sunday. We all see these traditions as good traditions. But if we always had lived following our traditions through time then we would still be living in the Stone Age. There are several themes in the story. One of them is that “traditions are not always a good thing”. The people in the society have played the lottery for so many years. They have been playing this lottery for so many years that they take it as a matter of course and no one see the terrible thing they are all doing when they stone the loser of the lottery to death. When Mr Adams says that they are considering to stop playing the lottery in the north village then Old Man Warner just answers “Pack of crazy fools”. They have been doing it all their life so everybody just take it for granted that what they are doing might is wrong. Another theme of the story is:” Human weakness and blindness”. What I mean is that the whole society is a part of it. No one is against it. No one wonders if what they are doing is right. And what I think is even more frightening is that the entire event is described so ironically. Mrs. Hutchinson even says after she has arrived with everybody ready to play the lottery” Wouldn’t have me leave m’dishes in the sink, now, would you Joe” (P. 181 L. 19 C.2) They are even joking with the death. She does not...
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...In India, Independence Day is observed on the 15th August every year, because on the said day of 1947, India won her freedom from the British rule after about 200 years. It is a red-lettered day, on which the schools and government and private offices remain closed. Early in the morning, the young students sing in chorus the national anthem in accompaniment of flute and drum marching together in processions in the streets. National flags are hoisted in the houses, schools, colleges, and offices. Teachers and leaders assemble in a public place to give their patriotic speeches to the people, promising to save the sovereignty and integrity of our vast country. The great sacrifice of great Indian leaders who dedicated their valuable lives for the cause-'of the country's freedom in the past, is reverently remembered. It is a great day for India. In Delhi Red Fort Parade Ground, millions of Indians from different parts of the country gather to listen to the annual speech of the Prime Minister. Many dignitaries at home and also from abroad attend the function. The tri-colour flag is unfurled by the Prime Minister with the national anthem sung vocally or played on musical instruments. A salute of 31 guns is fired, and from the sky, petals of red roses are showered from the army helicopters in the city streets. Large and coloured processions composed by the people from different Indian States pass by the Red Fort in a disciplined manner. The charming march of the army...
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...different movements including the prologue, song, dance, burlesque, soliloquy, and finally march. The song and dance movements I recognized from class and put two and two together and learned that the soliloquy began the soloist concert. I enjoyed the performance, but was probably not my favorite. Heroes, Lost and Fallen by David R. Gillingham was the second piece and the one I enjoyed the most. I took pleasure in this piece because before the performance started, Mr. Patterson explained a little bit how this concert was derived. Heroes, Lost and Fallen was dedicated as a Vietnam Memorial. This piece was very different and had many different sounds. He told the audience to listen carefully because there were quotes from the Star Spangled Banner and the Vietnamese National Anthem, which I had no clue what sounded like, but it kept me on the edge of my seat trying to pick out the sounds. The section started slowly but then progressed from a slow “March to War” then climaxing to express war. There were several members of the ensemble moving back and forth across...
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...On this auspicious day, Government buildings present a neat and tidy appearance. National flags flutter everywhere. People put on gala dresses and take part in the celebrations with great enthusiasm. The day is observed as a public holiday. This year the day was celebrated in our town with great eclat. The main celebrations were held in an open space. The function was presided over by the Minister for Education. First of all, he unfurled the National Flag. The police band played the National Anthem. School boys and girls sang national songs which were quite thrilling and inspiring. Then the Minister delivered an impressive speech. He said, "The National Flag is the symbol of our solidarity. It was by rallying under this flag that we won freedom. We have won political freedom but we have yet to win economic freedom. We must work and toil to make India great. India expects everybody to do his or her duty." The speech was followed by a march past by the military, the police, the N.C.C., the A.C.C., the boy scouts and the girl guides. The Minister took the salute. It was followed by picturesque tableaux from the history of India and the daily life in different parts of our vast country. In the afternoon, there were sports and matches. There were tea parties. People made merry. Sweets and fruits were distributed among boys and girls. There were songs and dances. There was a great commotion. People came from far-off villages to see the celebrations. All roads led to the...
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...flag. Betsy Ross knew George Washington and had done some repair seamstress work for him. Betsy Ross ran an upholstery shop that she took over when her husband had passed away. She often mended some of Washington’s clothing which how they became friends. Many people have different stories and legends of how the flag came about and why and if Ross was in fact the first person to sew the flag. There has never been any documentation that proved that Ross did create the flag however legend says that one day George Washington and two of his key figures sketched out the United States flag and asked Betsy Ross to sew it together and she did. No one knows for sure whether Betsy Ross designed the flag or if she did in fact change the original six stars to five. Many historians say that a man named Francis Hopkinson who was a lawyer was the real designer of the first flag. Hopkinson wrote a letter in 1780 to the board of admiralty which stated that he in fact did design the first flag and most say that he did; however there has never been any real proof so the story of Betsy Ross stands. What history does show is that The American flag has become a...
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...People would usually use the term “American” to refer to someone who simply lives in America, but there is more to this word than just that. When I think of an “American” I think of someone who is free to do just about whatever they want, someone who is patriotic and loves what their country stands for, and someone who has the opportunity to acquire a job and work in order to provide for their family. John McCain explains this idea in his short story, “Veterans Day”. Walt Whitman also backs up this definition up in his poem, “I Hear America Singing”. In “Veterans Day,” the author, John McCain tells us a story about his days in Vietnam. He introduces a fellow named Mike Christian who “didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13.” He met Christian at a P.O.W. Prison where they were cellmates along with a group of others. When the soldiers are allowed to receive some care packages Mike Christian gets his hands on some cloth and a bamboo needle and begins sowing an American flag on the inside of his shirt. Eventually, one of the guards finds the flag and Mike is beaten. When he returns from his punishment his eye is almost swollen shut, but he whips out his bamboo needle and starts constructing a new flag all over again. It's easy to see that he takes being an American very seriously and loves his country. This is supported by the quote, “He was making the flag because he knew how important it was for us to be able to pledge allegiance to our flag and country.” And also by McCain...
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...Freshies Frolic Timeline EARLY START Part I. 6:30 - 6:35 Doxology 6:35 - 6:40 Philippine National Anthem 6:40 - 6:50 Introduction of Hosts 6:50 - 6:55 Opening Remarks 6:55 - 7:05 Production Number (Runggis) 7:05 – 7:10 Introduction of Judges 7:10 - 7:20 Production number (Mr. and Ms. Frolic) 7:20 – 8:00 Dinner Part II. 8:00 – 8:05 Reading of Criteria 8:05 – 8:35 Course Presentation (Batch 1- First 4 courses) 8:35 – 8:40 Intermission Number (HH Slick) 8:40 – 9:10 Course Presentation (Batch 2- Next 4 courses) 9:10 – 10:15 Question and Answer Portion 10:15 – 10:30 Awarding of Certificates/Tokens to Judges & Minor Awards 10:30 – 10:35 Closing Remarks 10:35 – 10:50 Awarding of Major Awards 10:50 onwards Party Time Freshies Frolic Timeline Late Start Part I. 7:00 – 7:05 Doxology 7:05 – 7:10 Philippine National Anthem 7:10 – 7:15 Introduction of Hosts 7:15 – 7:20 Opening Remarks 7:20 – 7:25 Production Number (Runggis) 7:25 – 7:30 Introduction of Judges 7:30 – 7:40 Production number (Mr. and Ms. Frolic) 7:40 – 8:25 Dinner Part II. 8:25 – 8:30 Reading of Criteria 8:30 – 9:00 Course Presentation (Batch 1- First 4 courses) 9:00 – 9:05 Intermission Number (HH Slick) 9:05 – 9:35 Course Presentation (Batch 2- Next 4 courses) 9:35 – 10:35 Question and Answer Portion 10:35 – 10:55 Awarding of Certificates/Tokens to Judges & Minor Awards 10:55 – 11:00 Closing Remarks 11:00 – 11:10 Awarding of...
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...Best Prom Ever “Best Prom Ever” When I was in 4th year high school, I had so much fun in our prom night. I’m so grateful because it gave me good memories that will be unforgettable for me. Our prom started with an entourage. I’m nervous that time because I’m thinking that I might not do it well. But luckily, I passed on it with my partner. Then, many other ceremonies followed such as the opening ceremony, invocation, singing of the national anthem and the school hymn, turn over ceremony of seniors to the juniors, and next is what everyone’s waiting for, the awarding. I really expected that I would be the Ms.Senior. But when the MC announced the Ms.Senior, I heard that it was a different name, in short, it wasn’t me. So I am really frustrated. But suddenly, I heard the MC already announcing the Queen of the Night, he called my name! I can’t believe that it was me. I just noticed it when my friends also called me and teased me. I thought it was just a dream. Then I went to the stage, I’m still shocked and I’m out of myself. I saw everyone’s looking at me while they’re smiling. I’m happy because no one says or even thinks that I don’t deserve it. Just a few minutes afterwards, the Seniors’ special number started. I’m in front because I’m one of the good dancers. I danced gracefully and confidently. I think it is also the effect of being the Queen of the Night. I just can’t move on. And last in the program, the “dance dance party…”. Party songs are played first. So everyone...
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