Hope

Being that we go to so many sporting events, we have many, many opportunities to sing the National Anthem. And I usually sing and look around at others in the stands and I'm one of few. Do sports fans not know the words? The verses are flashing on the screen to help us sing along, but most remain silent. Even Marva Wright stumbled on her words as she sang the anthem at the Hornets game on Saturday. Sigh.

I'd also be willing to bet most school children in our area don't know the words. I know the kids at the schools I visit don't. As kids, we used to sing it each and every morning at school. It was part of morning assembly on the playground. Not many schools include the anthem in their daily routine. Just not important enough. What message does that send?

I never really thought much about it until I traveled to other countries and saw national pride, especially in Norwegians, including my family there. People sing the anthem, each and every word. Everyone flies the flag of Norway and Constitution Day there is quite the demonstration of pride.

Today around the city I felt a sense of pride in our country, an interest in voting, a desire to be counted. Good job, Barack Obama. You got our votes. Everyone feels they should play a role. We want to participate. May the momentum continue.