The Star Spangled Banner

Over the last few weeks and months I have spent a lot of time on ball fields. As is tradition, each game begins with the Pledge of Allegiance. Now that Sunshine’s team has moved up to the “Big Leagues”, each game now starts with The Star Spangled Banner played over the loud speaker.

On Sunday night, we all stood with our hats off and hands over our hearts, waiting for the song to begin.

And waiting.

And it didn’t start.

Until one man, a parent from the other team, began singing as loud as he could. He wasn’t a particularly talented singer, but he was singing with pride.

Proud to be an American.

And that was all it took.

The entire audience, the teams and the umpires all began singing our national anthem with pride and energy. We may not be invited to ever sing in front of a microphone, but it was a great moment and a great reminder and how proud I am to be an American.

Today, I wish you a day filled with relaxation, time with the people you love and enjoy the most.

I hope to do the same and I will always keep the memory of that man singing and the proud we all felt that day in my heart.