In 1896 at the first modern Olympics, the U.S. team dominated, winning 16 of 27 events. At the first win, the Greek bandmaster approached Dr. William Milligan Stone, the organizer and sponsor of the American team, and asked what song the band should play - the band was supposed to play the national anthem of the nation the winner represented, and the United States did not have a national anthem. The bandmaster told Dr. Stone that his musicians knew two songs he thought were appropriate, and asked Dr. Stone if he would choose which one was played. The choices were “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Stone chose “The Star-Spangled Banner” and thus, the first modern Olympics was the first time that the song was internationally recognized as a “national anthem” for the United States.
Morning, TC!! I agree. The Star Spangled Banner is a wonderful tribute to our flag, but is more narrow in scope than what America The Beautiful portrays. (I like Ray Charles' rendition)
Just FYI: I look forward to reading more about our country through your lens. By your writing, I hope to gain a better understanding of our military's role. Thank you in advance!
P.S. Substack says I have subscribed, but where does one actually pay for the subscription?
When you signed up, there is an option for subscribing for free or a choice of several levels of paid support. If you check "My Account" you will find your subscriptions listed there and can take action. It comes off your credit card and the nice folks at Stripe handle everything and forward on payments to my bank account. They make it all easy.
Ray Charles….Takes one to the mountain. Love the song. Thank you for the study today TC.
Morning, TC!! I agree. The Star Spangled Banner is a wonderful tribute to our flag, but is more narrow in scope than what America The Beautiful portrays. (I like Ray Charles' rendition)
Just FYI: I look forward to reading more about our country through your lens. By your writing, I hope to gain a better understanding of our military's role. Thank you in advance!
P.S. Substack says I have subscribed, but where does one actually pay for the subscription?
When you signed up, there is an option for subscribing for free or a choice of several levels of paid support. If you check "My Account" you will find your subscriptions listed there and can take action. It comes off your credit card and the nice folks at Stripe handle everything and forward on payments to my bank account. They make it all easy.
I finally figured it out!
Good.
Thank you, TC. The recording of America The Beautiful by Ray Charles was perfect for today. I also enjoyed your article.
Good article. There are those who prefer Kate Smith's rendition but your choice of Ray Charles' is the best argument one could make.