Letter: State song inspires pride

Thursday, April 11, 2002 | 9:10 a.m.

In reading Mike O'Callaghan's April 2 column, I couldn't agree more. I am absolutely incensed by those who wish to replace tradition and meaning with contemporary "political correctness."

I am referring to the attempt by several Nevadans to replace our wonderful state song, "Home Means Nevada," with something more contemporary or with the cowboy song, "When It's Nighttime in Nevada." Well, it is not always "nighttime" in Nevada, we have "daytime" also.

So far as Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt's criticism, wanting a state song "that's easy to sing," let me respond by stating that I do not have a singing voice, but even I can sing our state song.

As a matter of fact, in 1972 five colleagues and I had attended a convention in New York City. As we returned, flying over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, we broke into our state song. When we finished, the entire planeload of passengers applauded. One lady, sitting across from me stated what a beautiful song it was. I explained that it was our state song and I was very proud of it.

I will resist till my dying breath any attempt to discard this song, and can only say to Hunt, Lonnie Hammargren, Joyce Vetter, Hal Cannon, et al.: Shame on you that we should give in to the likes of Britney Spears' contemporaries. Hooray for Ruthe Deskin and Myron Leavitt -- you are right on target. By the way, Hunt has lost my vote next time around.

I have been a proud and happy Nevadan since 1958. I love our state flag, our state bird, our state flower and our state song. Let us keep them -- all of them.

GLEN J. GILLETTE