Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-13
Still the National Anthem
Whatever Was Its Origin
TO the Editor of The Star:

TO the Editor o. The Star:
have been a reader of The Star for
over f1ve years and now have NV first
KICK coming, over your article in The
SUNDAY Star Of February 2, 1880. about
The Star Spangled Banner" by some
OF our Self-anointed sanctimonious sa-
viors OF our unauthorized national an
May I ask. what manner of people
are these; how long have they been
nacurallzed; do they come from Musso-
lini or the Reds Of Russia. or worse.
are they just parasites of society?
What have they done for this conn
Ty besides finding fault with the way
The most one can say for them is
That they are conscientious objectorS.
DO you know that THE Star Span
gled Banner" closes the day, all over
this world, for. the, Army, Navy and
marine Corps Of the United States?
DO they know that all great men re-
Spect ana pay honor to 1t, that the
President of the United States does SO.
and our present Presidents religion IS
not a military or warlike one?
Does he sham his reverence when he
pays his respect to our "Stars and
Stripes" at the playing Of "The Star
Spangled Banner?
Have they seen men who offered their
al 70 this country, some who made the
supreme sacrifice, others who lived
through the hell Of war, stand in awe,
respect and reverence, with stirred
emotions at the playing of 1.-The Star
Spangled Banner" with heart swelling
ana tears flowing; hearts with pride
ana tears OF gratitude; men who are
CnanKtul TO be alive and hear this hor.
r1ble anthem Of ours?
Inc worst these scofferS can saw
ABOUT 1t is that the tune originated in
cheap English bar room, years ago.
In spite OF this fact, it is a beautiful
ano inspiring tune, and although tune
can no doubt be composed that has
1t De more appropriate?
Our country, after it was taken away
rom the Indians, was founded in
Strl1e, shut down internal strife and
SGroVe with other countries In the World
war Tor democracy, that nations might
outilve future wars and expressions:
ana yet In none Of the above strife was
there single tyrannical, selfish or mar
tial motive. Of this country, nothing
mat any american cannot stand up
ana lace the world with pride Of coyIn-
try and race, and who can help being
inspired at the strains Of 1.-THE Star
Spangled Banner?
One hears parodies on sacred songs;
but does the origin Of the tune defect
In any way from the use 1t is put to
or mar one iota the original?
The mere fact of this tune being
selected as our anthem completely d.
vorces 1t Of its bar room associates,
purgeS 1t OF its low origin, raising it to
the exalted and sanctified elevation of
our national anthem, except for the
disgraceful lack Of action on the part
OF Congress to make it so.
I believe 80 per cent Of Americans
who risked their all to keep this same
Congress safe from an invading foe,
and who would do so again, would vote
for ''The Star Spangled Banner as is,
tune and words, for our national an
them II given the opportunity to do so,
and not for silly and sentimental rea-
sons, but with high sense of honor
and love Of country; men who want
nothing but the best for "our country"
and that best Is THE Star Spangled
Banner" FRANK I. HASTINGS.