Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

letter to the editor:

Our anthem needs to be accessible

The national anthem belongs to the people, not some entertainer who can sing in a note range that only a very few can.

On opening night of the National Finals Rodeo, Clay Walker sang a patriotic version of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” whereas on Day 2, entertainer Susie Dobbs sang an unpatriotic version. The proof was in the audience participation — it sang with Walker but not with Dobbs.

While it might be enjoyable to hear some entertainer show off her singing skills on another song in a different venue, stealing the anthem at the NFR was just unpatriotic.

As an aside, many Americans don’t know the words of the “Star-Spangled Banner” or the story behind it. Singing it in a range that all could sing would go far to helping them learn both — that would be American!

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