When it comes to what you learn by learning to play and perform music, one lesson you can carry proudly with you for life is patriotism.
For one event many years ago, the organizer asked each of the performers—a trumpeter, an opera singer, and me—to play something patriotic. The trumpeter, Cecil Welch, who for many years was the solo and lead trumpeter for the Henry Mancini Orchestra, was to play the “Star Spangled Banner.” The opera singer, Douglas Campbell, who had performed throughout Europe including historic opera venues in Germany, was to sing “America The Beautiful.” What was left for me?
I landed on a song titled “American Anthem.” I had come across it watching the Ken Burns documentary, The War, on World War II, in which he used the recording by Norah Jones for the theme song. It was written in 1998 by composer Glen Scheer, to my mind as more of a choral piece than a popular song. Since then whenever the opportunity has presented itself, I have volunteered to sing that song, not unique but certainly lesser known than the standards, and therefore, perhaps, providing a meaningful new perspective on love of country.
On this day, September 11, 2026, the 25th anniversary of the attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, it seemed appropriate to post something relevant, and what could be more relevant than the the concluding words of the chorus of American Anthem:
“Let me know in my heart
When my days are through,
America, America,
I gave my best to you.”