Free Republic

If Patriotic "on hold" music on the Capital switchboard was enough to irritate Mrs. Pelosi, this song just might make her melt!

Mikhalkov, Author of Soviet and Russian Anthem, Dead at 96 28 August 2009 By Nabi Abdullaev / The Moscow Times Sergei Mikhalkov, author of the lyrics of the Soviet and Russian national anthems and a Rolls-Royce of Soviet poetry for more than four decades, died Thursday in a Moscow hospital. He was 96. "He died of old age. He simply fell asleep," said his grandson, film producer Yegor Konchalovsky, RIA-Novosti reported. President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin offered condolences to his family, including his two sons, prominent film directors Oscar-winning Nikita Mikhalkov and Andrei Konchalovsky. Both of his...

I could use some help solving this mystery. This has not been confirmed, the The American Thinker speculates: An anti-Obama website, The Obama File, posts a photograph purporting to show President Obama putting his hand over his heart during the playing of the Russian national anthem, during his visit to Moscow. How can it possibly be a genuine photograph, when we know that the President didn't put his hand over his heart during the playing of the American national anthem, as demonstrated in this now-infamous photograph taken during the campaign? UPDATE: The above photo of Obama holding his hand over...

Reminder: download "The Tea Party Anthem" to play at your 4th of July Tea Party. http://bit.ly/zMYfG Hear "The American TEa Party Anthem" here: http://bit.ly/6mfvC

Although I have lived in the Washington, D.C., area since 1984, I am an orthodox Baltimorean by birth, nurture, education, baseball loyalties, and a settled disdain for offering tartar sauce with crab cakes. So I should be the last person to think the unthinkable about my native city’s principal contribution to American public culture (after, of course, the Colts’ sudden-death victory over the New York Giants in the 1958 NFL championship game). Nonetheless, I shall risk the charges of heresy and treason by proposing the following thought experiment: as America celebrates Independence Day, let’s ponder a switch in national anthems,...

As in the Civil War, the Obama administration is straining relationships. Here is my letter to Al (not his real name) a fellow black, long time friend and mentor. Dear Al, I didn't pick up when you called because I don't know how you will re-act to what is going on in my life. I've become famous for my “American Tea Party Anthem” which opposes the policies of Obama. I know you're a HUGE Obama fan and believe ALL who oppose him are evil. So, you can understand how I find myself in an awkward position. I'm totally accepting of...

BROSSARD, Quebec -- Montreal coach Bob Gainey appealed to Canadiens fans to stop booing the U.S. national anthem. Gainey, also the team's general manager, said fans who booed during "The Star-Spangled Banner" before Game 3 of their playoff series with the Boston Bruins should find other ways to voice support for their team. "I feel like there's a confusion there with our fans," Gainey said Tuesday. "They feel like booing the anthem is supporting our team, in that the anthem represents the Boston team. "And I think if they could separate those two things, then we could respect the anthem...

Now here is something you definitely don't see at left-wing protests: http://www.vimeo.com/4204301 (captured at the Raleigh, NC Tea Party tax protest on the Capitol Grounds)

Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin on Sunday chose the Arab city of Umm al-Fahm, home to the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel, as his first location for a formal visit following his induction. Less than a month after fights broke out when rightists undertook the controversial 'flag march' through the city, Rivlin went so far as to say he would not ask residents to sing the national anthem during his visit. "I can't require non-Jews to sing 'as long as in all hearts there beats a Jewish spirit'," he said. However, "it is important not to incite against...

give these little girls a listen...they can sing!

FUNNY, `CAUSE IT`S TRUE: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=l46t_nrySg4 . . .

U.S. Soldiers in Iraq Sing the National Anthem in a Movie Theater-Truth! For those who are unaware, at a military theater, the National Anthem is played before every movie. From a Chaplain in Iraq: I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3,' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through The...

We have Councils of Vocations, Councils of Eugenics, every possible kind of Council, including a World Council-and if these do not as yet hold total power over us, is it from lack of intention? "Social gains," "social aims," "social objectives" have become the daily bromides of our language. The necessity of social justification for all activities and all existence is now taken for granted. There is no proposal outrageous enough but what its author can get a respectful hearing and approbation if he claims that in some undefined way it is for "the common good." Some might think - though...

10/31/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Veterans and servicemembers not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect in October. "The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," said Dr. James B. Peake, secretary of Veterans Affairs. "This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag." The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render...

A "Semi-News" satire published Oct 27, 2007 has circled the globe an uncounted number of times since, undergoing mutation in the process. The bits focused on Obama's stance regarding the American flag: Obama Explains National Anthem Stance Hot on the heels of his explanation for why he no longer wears a flag pin, presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama was forced to explain why he doesn’t follow protocol when the National Anthem is played. According to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171, During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those...

Obama's disdain for the National Anthem is nothing new. So perhaps it won't bother you that he canceled the anthem at his political rally in order to free up more time for yet another worshipful speaker to sing his praises.

Opening ceremony at the Columbus Air Show. A high flying flag, indeed.

As Denver dignitaries gathered today for Mayor John Hickenlooper's State of the City address, City Council President Michael Hancock introduced singer Rene Marie to perform the national anthem. But that's not what she did. Instead, Marie performed the song "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," which also is known as the "black national anthem." When she finished, the proceedings moved forward, and the "Star-Spangled Banner" was never performed.

As Denver dignitaries gathered today for Mayor John Hickenlooper's State of the City address, City Council President Michael Hancock introduced singer Rene Marie to perform the national anthem. But that's not what she did. Instead, Marie performed the song "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," which is also known as the "Black National Anthem." When she finished, the proceedings moved forward, and few seemed to notice that the Star Spangled Banner was never performed. One who did notice was Councilman Charlie Brown, and he took to local talk radio Tuesday afternoon to blast the lack of the nation's anthem at the...

Dreamers are silly little characters are they not? They always show up at the wrong time. Too late. They always wake up several hours after when they are most needed…

Click here to go to the video on YouTube.

7 year old Anthony Gargiula sings National Anthem at a Siena College Basketball game in Albany New York http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR2rvxSUr7w And yes, he does have a website: http://www.singeranthonyg.com/http://www.singeranthonyg.com/singeranthonygargiula/2007/01/anthony_sings_n.html

<p>Barack Obama complained on Wednesday about an Internet photo that claims the Democratic presidential candidate didn't hold his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance.</p> <p>"This is so irritating," Obama said when asked about the photo in Muscatine, Iowa.</p>

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2007 – In the shadow of the Washington Monument, with its 50 American flags snapping in the breeze, the “President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band helped kick off the grand finale of the National Anthem Project here yesterday. The “President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band plays patriotic songs during the National Association for Music Education’s National Anthem Project’s grand finale at the Washington Monument on Flag Day, June 14, 2007. The project is a multiyear effort to re-teach Americans “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Molly A. Burgess, USN  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available....

I came across this little girl's video on You Tube. Her name is Jaycie - that's all I know about her, other than the fact that she brought tears to my eyes while I watched her sing the national anthem. It was taped in December of 2006, at a minor league hockey game, according to the source. This is my first vanity, although I signed up at FR in 2003. July 4th is coming up. I wanted to share this with all of you, because it thrills the heart that Jaycie represents countless American little ones who are being brought...

ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada - A diplomatic gaffe marred Saturday's inauguration of a China-financed stadium on this Caribbean island when a band performed the national anthem of Chinese rival Taiwan. Chinese Ambassador Qian Hongshan and scores of blue-uniformed Chinese laborers who built the $40 million Queen's Park stadium as a gift were visibly uncomfortable as Taiwan's anthem echoed inside the 20,000-seat venue. Describing it as a blunder, Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell pledged an investigation into how the Royal Grenada Police Band could have prepared the anthem of Taiwan instead of China. China and Taiwan split in 1949 amid a civil...

I thought I'd share this. Whitney Houston at the Super Bowl that year didn't even come close. And nobody sings it like Wayne Messmer. I was at the game. In fact you sort of see part of me holding the No Flag Burner sign.

TOKYO (Reuters) - A Japanese court ruled in favor of teachers who objected to being forced to sing the national anthem at school events, saying the Tokyo Metropolitan government's orders to do so infringed upon freedom of thought. The surprise ruling comes as conservative lawmakers, including Shinzo Abe, poised to become prime minister next week, seek to put more patriotism into classrooms in an effort to revive a Japanese sense of identity they see as lacking in modern-day society.

America the Beautiful ...5:53 pm After playing Tony Bennett’s record, Rags To Riches, on his XM radio show, Bob Dylan said, “I heard a story once about Tony. They wanted him to sing the national anthem at the nineteen and sixty-one Preakness. He didn’t want to. He said, ‘I don’t know. Bombs burstin’ in air are just not my thing.’ Way to go, Tony.� That’s not exactly something that RWB would have chosen to say

Do you want to embarass a Japanese? Ask him to sing Japan's national anthem. It is indeed a real sleeper. It is old - no problem with that - but it is also outdated. Its title is Kimigayo. The words can be translated something like - "May you reign for a 1000 happy years Rule on lord/friend/lover till the pebbles by age grow and unite to great rocks with moss all over its strong sides." Doesn't that give you goose bumps? Problem is - it became somewhat of a nationalistic and militaristic anthem, and the lord came to represent the...

INDIANAPOLIS, May 28, 2006 – With the stands crowded for the 90th running of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," five servicemembers stood atop the Victory Podium to sing the national anthem before the race today. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Lisa Taylor, Army Sgt. Jennifer Castle, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Landon Crissup, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Remayl L. Shaffer-Hardy, and Air Force Staff Sgt. E. Justin Allen talk with local reporters in Indianapolis before the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Air Force Staff Sgt. E. Justin...

President Bush plans to address the nation on Monday night at 8 PM to con the American public into buying into his ludicrous immigration policies. His approval ratings are at an all-time low, with only 31% of Americans approving of his job performance, while "68% believe the United States is worse off today than it was before Mr. Bush became president." Bush's immigration policies would open the floodgates to illegals, and Americans do not approve -- and it looks like the Senate agrees. Another poll shows support for the House's tough and very sensible immigration legislation, HR 4437: ...69 percent...

WASHINGTON - In a warm-up for next week's immigration debate, impatient senators flirted with the fringes of the issue with separate bills to crack down on border tunnel builders and insist that the national anthem be sung in English. A compromise that would protect most of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants from being deported faltered in the Senate in April. Senators, however, were unwilling to wait to express their disdain for a recently released version of the national anthem in Spanish or to delay legislation for imprisoning smugglers convicted of digging tunnels under the U.S.-Mexican border. The Senate approved...

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Thursday disputed an account of President George W. Bush singing the U.S. national anthem in Spanish during the 2000 presidential campaign, saying his Spanish is not that good.

WASHINGTON (AFP) - First Lady Laura Bush broke with husband President George W. Bush, saying she found nothing wrong with a new Spanish-language version of the US national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." "I don't think there's anything wrong with singing it in Spanish," Bush told CNN television in an interview.

How do you feel about the Spanish-language version of the U.S. national anthem, which was released on April 28? Supportive. Undecided. Against. Outraged.

MIDI - DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING - scroll down the site for the MIDI Can you hear the FReepers sing We lift our voices to the sky And we are swearing to our God That we will all live free or die Many brave men gave their lives So that this nation could be free If we will stand and fight We honor their memory England ruled from afar until the brave among them said We won't accept the tyranny, we'll show them kings are dead So they grabbed their weapons and fought and America's born Can...

Atlanta is youthful. Atlanta is funky. Atlanta can move. Or that's the impression you get from "The ATL," the city's theme song that debuted during last night's Monday Night Football hoopla. It won't be everybody's cup of Coke. It's more song than jingle. It's got the bounce and feel that's come to be associated with Atlanta's chart-dominating R&B and hip-hop music scene and a chant-friendly chorus -- "I love the A-T-L, I love the A-T-L" -- that seems tailored for crowd singalongs. Brand Atlanta commissioned the anthem, which was written by in-demand music and film producer and Georgia native Dallas...

Introductory Note. Unless you're already well acquainted with our "national anthem," this interesting piece by the late Isaac Asimov will be an eye-opener. It was for me. It's especially appropriate at a time when there is much talk of tossing out this difficult-to-sing and difficult-to-comprehend old song in favor of something that better suits Ray Charles' voice. You'll understand the song much better after you read Mr. Asimov's explanation.--Hardly Waite, Gazette Senior Editor.I have a weakness--I am crazy, absolutely nuts, about our national anthem. The words are difficult and the tune is almost impossible, but frequently when I'm taking a...

I am looking for the National Anthem from Super Bowl 29 It was sung by Kathy Lee Gifford.

Leadership a family trait To the editor: This has nothing to do with Bobby Abare's running or ,even his throwing. It has, nothing to do with Larry's catching or his running. It does not have anything to do with their father, Lou, who is an assistant coach of the AB [Acton Boxborough] Colonials and former Pop Warner coach who coached most of the senior class through Pop Warner. No, this highlight has to do with Bob Abare (grandfather to the boys and Lou's father). Last Tuesday at the Newton North High School Playoff football game, prior to the game, an...

Hamas holds competition to select movement's anthem By Arnon Regular, Haaretz Correspondent   Hamas announced Thursday a competition for composing an official anthem for the movement. The deadline for submission of entries is in December.   Activists say the anthem will be sung at the movement's rallies and will compete with the famous Palestinian anthem "Biladi Biladi", identified with the PLO. Since its founding, Hamas has made use of many songs, but none of them has been adopted as an official anthem. "In recognition of the role of an anthem in expressing principles, hopes and ideas, and the manner...

All Four StanzasBy Isaac Asimov I have a weakness--I am crazy, absolutely nuts, about our national anthem.The words are difficult and the tune is almost impossible, but frequently when I'm taking a shower I sing it with as much power and emotion as I can. It shakes me up every time.I was once asked to speak at a luncheon. Taking my life in my hands, I announced I was going to sing our national anthem--all four stanzas.This was greeted with loud groans. One man closed the door to the kitchen, where the noise of dishes and cutlery was loud...

'Star-Spangled Banner' returns to Vermont radio station By ANNE WALLACE ALLENAssociated Press Published on: 04/16/04 MONTPELIER, Vt. &mdash; Listeners who want to hear "The Star Spangled Banner" by dawn's early light have persuaded a Vermont radio station to resume daily broadcasts of the national anthem.Angry listeners bombarded radio host Peter Ferrand with complaints after he stopped playing the anthem each day at 6 a.m. on WRSA-AM in St. Albans in northwestern Vermont. Snip... and summary of remaining article... Ferrand, who started at the station in February, goes on to claim he didn't know it was supposed to be played...callers tell...

Australian fans are delighted after the International Rugby Board gave the go-ahead for "Waltzing Matilda" to be sung before Wallabies' matches at the World Cup. Reuters Photo Australian Prime Minister John Howard led a chorus of dismay after the IRB ruled last month that only a country's national anthem could be sung before Cup games. But after considering a request from the Australian Rugby Union, IRB directors meeting on Friday decided to let Matilda rip at the tournament in Australia starting on October 10. "(We) recognise the importance and significance of Waltzing Matilda to the Australian nation," the IRB said....

"Civilization is the progress toward a society of privacy. The savage's whole existence is public, ruled by the laws of his tribe. Civilization is the process of setting man free from men." Thus declared Howard Roark in Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead. In the context of this statement, the private-public distinction is employed not in politicoeconomic terms (which are, however, derivative), but in an individual, ethical sense, pertaining to the objectively correct atmosphere which one should experience in and away from the company of other men. Any rational treatise, including this one, will undertake a definition of terms prior conducting their...

Officials Apologize Over Anthem Failure BARCELONA (Reuters) - Embarrassed world swimming championship officials apologized to the U.S. team Sunday after their national anthem failed to play during the medal ceremony for the victorious women's 4x100 freestyle relay team. Natalie Coughlin, Lindsay Benko, Rhiannon Jeffrey and Jenny Thompson stood facing the Stars and Stripes after receiving their gold medals waiting in vain for the anthem to play. The large crowd at the Palau Sant Jordi pool also waited patiently, then began hand clapping and finally whistling as officials struggled off-stage to fix the problem. After about five minutes, the large U.S...

Ed Hudgins, Washington director of The Objectivist Center, recently acquired an unusual item: a rare copy of the June 1953 issue of Famous Fantastic Mysteries, a graphic novel that featured a reprint of Ayn Rand’s novelette Anthem. With Ed’s permission, we’re happy to reproduce here the (somewhat lurid!) cover page of this rare graphic novel.

COMPARE NATIONAL ANTHEMSIsrael: "To be a free people in our land ..."Palestinian Authority: "Palestine is my fire, Palestine is my revenge ... With the resolve of the winds and the fire of the guns ... I will live as a guerrilla, I will go on as guerrilla, I will expire as guerrilla"National Anthem of Israel:While yet within the heart - inwardly The soul of the Jew yearns, And towards the vistas of the East-eastwards An eye to Zion looks. It is not yet lost, our hope, The hope of two thousand years,To be a free people in our land...

LYON, France For the second straight game, fans at the Confederations Cup booed when the "The Star-Spangled Banner" was played before the United States took the field. The whistling sounded louder at Saturday night's 1-0 loss to Brazil than it was before the Americans lost to Turkey 2-1 on Thursday in Saint-Etienne. "I think it's disrespectful," U.S. coach Bruce Arena said. "We respect the national anthem of every country, so I was disappointed with that." U.S. players said the whistling disturbed them. Forward Landon Donovan was among the more outspoken American players after Thursday's game and again was angered. "It's...