A U.S. Marine colonel has written a letter to Super Bowl organizers, addressed to those asked to sing the Star Spangled Banner before the game.

The letter singles out no specific performer, nor does it make the request to only the singer at the Super Bowl. And obviously a Marine colonel may have a pretty cut-and-dried opinion on matters like these, but we thought you might like to read what a member of our troops based in Afghanistan felt strongly enough about to send the message.

It reads, "So, with all the kindness I can muster, I give this one piece of advice to the next pop star who is asked to sing the national anthem at a sporting event: save the vocal gymnastics and the physical gyrations for your concerts. Just sing this song the  way you were taught to sing it in kindergarten - straight up, no styling. Sing it with the constant awareness that there are soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines watching you from bases and outposts all over the world. Don't make them cringe with your self-centered ego gratification. Sing it as if you are standing before a row of 96-year-old WWII vets wearing their Purple Hearts, Silver Stars and flag pins on their cardigans and you want them to be proud of you for honoring them and the country they love.......Sing the Star Spangled Banner with the courtesy and the humility that tells the audience it is about America, not you. Not everything needs to be spunked up. We're getting a little weary of that. Francis Scott Key does not need any help."

Semper Fi

I think we'll be okay Sunday with Gladys Knight. Here's to a terrific, spunked up game! :-)

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