MORT’s meanderings

Don’t diddle with the three most

sacred symbols of our Liberty.

The “Stars & Stripes”, “National Anthem” and the “Pledge of Allegiance”, are the three most sacred symbols of our Liberty; they represent the United States of America like no other symbolism can.  They are unique, they are time-tested and they should be – they must be, retained in their original form.  They must never be subjected to frivolous amending or to trendy interpretation.  In other words, “No diddling”.

“Stars & Stripes” (OLD GLORY) :   The most recognizable symbol of our nation is our flag.  The field of blue with 50 white stars and the 13 red & white strips in their official configuration are who we are.  While there are variations that have been adapted by our military and naval services, any and all other design alterations or innovations should be legally prohibited by Congressional legislation.   Official U. S. Flag protocol including State flags, should be taught in all public schools in conjunction with mandatory tutorials on The Constitution and other Founding documents, in their original format and content.  “No diddling.”

“The Star-Spangled Banner” (NATIONAL ANTHEM) :  Recognized for official use by the U.S. Navy in 1889, Francis Scott Key’s poem set to music, was made our National Anthem on March 3, 1931 by Congressional resolution.  The U. S. Marine Band (‘The President’s Own) plays the anthem in its traditional, official musical configuration.  When the anthem is sung by members of U. S. Military Bands, it is rendered as written and sung without interpretation.  When sung by vocalists at public events, such as at opening ceremonies for sports events, it should be sung in precisely the same way that is, as written and sung by military vocalists.  There should be no exceptions. The opportunity to sing our National Anthem in public was never intended to be an audition for the musical stage.  First amendment guarantees of ‘freedom of speech’ do  not confer singers of our National Anthem with an inherent right to manipulate or distort the words and music to ‘suit their style’.  Bookers of entertainment at public events should be aware of the ‘original intent’ regarding vocalizations of the National Anthem and insist that singers stick to the ‘official’ music, without added trills or vocalizations.  “No diddling”.

“Pledge of Allegiance”:  As of 1954, the official pledge is:  “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands; one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”    “No diddling.”

MORT KUFF  © 2-10-2015