The Star Spanglish Banner?

I see some significant amount of press aimed at the new Spanish language version of the Star Spangled Banner.

Call me crazy but the whole thing is not generating the same outrage in me that it seems to cause in others.

The words to our National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner” were written by Francis Scott Key in the form of a poem.  Key wrote it after being held on a British warship during the British naval shelling of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Maryland during the War or 1812.  The poem was later put to music, the tune was that of a song written by an Englishman celebrating music, food and drink (wine) called “To Anacreon in Heaven”.

Due to its widespread popularity, Congress later adopted it as out National Anthem.  The flag that inspired it is preserved and hangs today in the Smithsonian Institute.

Somehow it seems the Spanish version Nuestro Himno (’Our Anthem’) was produced by another Briton.  Just how the heck that works is anybodies guess.

Anyway, here is the translation of it…

By the light of the dawn, do you see arising,
what we proudly hailed at twilight’s last fall?
Its stars, its stripes yesterday streamed
above fierce combat a gleaming emblem of victory
and the struggle toward liberty.
Throughout the night, they proclaimed:
“We will defend it!”
Tell me! Does its starry beauty still wave
above the land of the free,
the sacred flag?
Its stars, its stripes,
liberty, we are the same.
We are brothers in our anthem.
In fierce combat, a gleaming emblem of victory
and the struggle toward liberty.
My people fight on.
The time has come to break the chains.
Throughout the night they proclaimed, “We will defend it!”
Tell me! Does its starry beauty still wave
above the land of the free, the sacred flag?

Not a direct translation to be certain as liberties were taken to with the language to keep with the music.  But far from insulting in my eyes.

I have been present at many functions were the Nation Anthems of other countries were performed.  I for one would have liked to of had a translation that at least covered the gist of what their Anthem was all about.  I think this does that for people who only speak Spanish.

I am proud to stand with anyone who sings this version and like me, feels our American flag and the ideals it stands for are worth defending and praising.

I personally find it much more insulting when a born and raised American citizen who has enjoyed our freedoms all their lives refuses to sing our Nation Anthem or refuses to show respect for our flag.

This picture for example of perfectly healthy American citizens sitting on a curb while and elderly gentleman rises from his wheelchair to pay respect for the passing American Flag.

That is what should really be insulting to those bitching about a Star Spanglish Banner.