By Dale Avery

What does the National Anthem mean to you?

I have to admit, one of my favorite songs to listen to is the National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner.   You might think I must not have that great a taste for music, but I do. I like my 70’s, 80’s, pop, rock, country and R&B, but this song hits home with me every time I hear it.

I was given the privilege of hearing my favorite song this past weekend when my daughter, Jenna, and her Evans Junior High choir mates sang the song at the ISU basketball game. They did an outstanding job and their singing stirred something in me which moved me to write this piece for my forum.

I don’t get a chance to hear the National Anthem every day, but when I do hear it I really hang on all the words. As I was listening to them sing, I thought about why I like it so much. Francis Scott Key wrote it after a 25 hour bombardment on Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. At the “dawn’s early light” when he expected to see defeat, he saw the American flag flying over the fort announcing American’s victory. To this day, the anthem makes me thing of freedom, hope, remembrance, and pride.

Freedom – With all the news around the world, the violence and countries falling apart, this song reminds me of the freedoms we get to enjoy every day. The freedom of speech to say what we want when we want. The freedom to travel from state to state with no walls, no passports needed. The freedom to openly practice any religion we want when and where we want to.

Hope – When I hear the song I get renewed hope in this country. I draw this hope knowing what this country has overcome in its history and knowing whatever the challenge this country faces it will stand tall and always be there.

Remembrance – Every time I hear this song, I think of my father, my brothers and others who have served their county in a military uniform. They have given the ultimate sacrifice to defend this country and allow us to enjoy the freedoms we do.

Pride – Hearing this song makes me proud we are a great country. I know we have our issues and challenges, but I will ask anyone who hears this – name me a better country to live in.

I could go on and on about other things that enter my mind during the singing of this song. But I also want to share my concern. For the most part, at the strike of the first chord everyone rises to their feet and turns to the flag. But there are always those who show a lack of respect by not standing up, not taking off their hat, or walking around and checking their phone.

Make this song one of your favorites, think about why it is important to you, and be an example to others of how to show respect when it is played.