Happy 4th of July with thanks to US Armed Forces and veterans

July 4, 2009 by mattie14

July 4, 2009

Thank you brave American women and men throughout the world for volunteering to risk your life, limbs and sanity to keep the USA the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave! Your courage and selflessness too often go unappreciated and unrewarded — please know you and your efforts are never forgotten.

And congratulations to the 237 U.S. service members who were sworn in today as American citizens in Iraq.

Even if you are not a hockey (or Blackhawks) fan – here’s the best National Anthem in sports (anywhere)- performed by opera tenor Jim Cornelison, accompanied by Frank Pellico on organ, at the United Center in Chicago before Game 4 Stanley Cup Playoffs Hawks vs Canucks.

It is preceded by just as stirring a rendition of O Canada.

National Anthem starts (1:43)

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Well, the good news is the roof remains attached here at the United Center.

And here is Wayne Messmer’s rendition at the old Chicago Stadium before the start of the 1991 NHL All-Star Game just days after the Gulf War began. The game was televised there LIVE. Some of you may not even have been born yet. Messmer is now the public address announcer for the Cubs and sings the National Anthem for the Chicago Wolves as well.

Dafoomie