Letter: National anthem should be performed as it was written

To the editor,

Prior to the World Series game yesterday we witnessed yet another horrendous rendition of our National Anthem.

It tingles the spine to hear a good high school or college band, or the Minnesota Orchestra play the anthem. And that’s what it is — an anthem, not a tune to be trifled with by adding a lot of additional notes in order to provide yet another customized version, and making the performance more about the singer than the dignity of honoring the flag and our country.

If it is not possible to have the anthem played live or by recording, those in charge of selecting a soloist should insist that it be sung as written by Key — and on key.

Ron Eggert

Hastings

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