Hugh's News & Commentary

When was the last time you sang all four stanzas of the Star-Spangled Banner written by Francis Scott Key in 1814?

Unfortunately, in most of our hymnals at church there are only two stanzas. I don't think I knew there was a fourth stanza.

I was deeply moved in my spirit of patriotism for the United States when I viewed the video of a Marine who sang a cappella the fourth stanza of this great American song we all love at a Tea Party Rally.

We can and must forgive whoever called this Marine and Ex-Marine. There is no such person. We who are Marines were taught and believe to this day that "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." I must admit I do not have the energy and strength that I had when I was in the United States Marine Corps on active duty from 1953-1956. However, I always stand to attention when I hear the Marine Corps Hymn.

T. Elwood Long was the first to send the e-mail with the link to the website to see and hear this Marine sing. Then, within a few minutes, Presiding Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr. sent it to me, and later in the day, Bishop Wesley Russ sent it. Well, it must be getting around.

I had to have it in this week's Hugh's News which I hope will be published on Thursday, August 19, 2010.

The following is the link you will need to see and hear this fantastic Marine singer.

http://www.dvo.com/newsletter/monthly/2010/august/jest4.html

Now, here is the fourth stanza of The Star-Spangled Banner":

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

I hope you will view this video and enjoy it to the fullest. Now is the time to stand up for the United States of America.