Operation National Anthem
A friend serving in a civilian capacity as support for our troops in Iraq told me the story of a Jamaican contractor who holds great respect for the USA national anthem. In fact, this Jamaican gentleman was so moved by our national anthem, he told my friend that when he dies, he is to be buried on Jamaican soil but The Star Spangled Banner is to be played as he is laid to rest. This Jamaican citizen went on to say that when he visited friends in the USA and attended a sporting event, he was shocked and dismayed to see people leave their hats on, talk, chat on cell phones, etc., while our national anthem was being played.
Inspired by this story, I wrote a script and my friend presented the idea to the Armed Services Network in Iraq. The idea was that soldiers serving in the area would record a simple request to be played at events, large or small, around the United States. That is how Operation National Anthem came to be. And, this is where you become a part of Operation National Anthem.
Please pass this information on to anyone in a position to play one of the clips prior to the national anthem at any event, large or small. If you can’t find the quality you need for a larger screen, find a soldier who is home and ask them to record the same message. Then, post it to YouTube, let us know the link and we’ll add it to the favorites on our YouTube page. The videos below are the original 12 soldiers who recorded messages for us. If you visit our YouTube page, all are available there.
Thank you for your support of Operation National Anthem. And thank you to Reader’s Digest for naming Dayna Steele one of the “35 People Who Inspire Us” and for naming Operation National Anthem “Best Patriotic Pitch” in the May 2008 issue. We are flattered and overwhelmed by the recognition and response.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I attended the MLT U in Msp on Oct. 7 and had the pleasure of listening to Dayna. The next day I was checking out the website for operation National Anthem. I have passed it along to many friends so I know you are making a difference.
Judy Rynders
Alton, IL
I was at MLT U this week and loved your inspirational and motivational speach. I have also sent the link on to people who I hope can help spread the word about operation national anthem. What a great program. Thank you.
Hi Dayna,
I too was at MLT U October 5th – 6th. I was able to hear you speak twice which was totally worth it. My husband is a Naval reservist and has served one tour in Iraq. I too feel sick to my stomach when people can not stand up for the national anthem.
Keep up the good work!!!
Kim, from Wisconsin
Dayna –
I too was in the crowd at MLT University along with my mother. I bought your book today, after flying home from Minneapolis last night. Great presentation and great message. I’m prior Air Force and I still stand at attention for the Anthem.
Mike Holovacs
Hometown Travel
Manahawkin, NJ
Thanks for the nice note. And for passing on Operation National Anthem.
You were a keynote speaker at the MLT U I went to on Oct 5th. I highly enjoyed your speach and feel I learned a lot from you. My husband is a college football coach and I sent him this link to show his players and others at the college.
Thank You for all you do:-)
Rita Miller
MLT Vacations Sales Agent
Minot ND
I teach high school students in Bakersfield, California. I show my students these clips and I love the reverence that is present in the room as I teach students the proper way to act during the national anthem. Our stadium dedication is this Friday night. I look forward to the students feeling the respect and gratitude for our country.
Bob – thanks for the nice note. Will continue to do what I can. We do live in a great country!
Hi,
I’m a retired Marine and I so much appreciate what you are doing to encourage respect for Country, flag and the many who have died to keep our country free. We need this respect now, more than ever, since forces outside our country would destroy and our way of life. We are also in trouble with forces inside our country and we must preserve the standards our country was founded upon snd resist any effort to destroy our nation.
I grew up in houston listening to Dayna on KLOL. I enjoyed you then and after reading this, enjoy you even more. I am currently deployed to Iraq for the 2nd time. I cant stand it when I go home and go to an Astros, or texans game and see the people takling on cell phones and BSing with each other while the National Anthem is being played. When I wear my uniform, no one around me does it. When Im in regular clothes, it seems like everyone does it.
Keep up the good work Dayna!!
I just left an IREM Luncheon where you were our Keynote Speaker and I just wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed what you had to say and I applaud you creating this website bacause I too am sick and tired of the idiots who cannot, for one minute of their lives, shut up and show a little respect for our country. God Bless those who fight for our freedom!
Angie
Thank you for this resource. The International Association of Fire Chiefs Volunteer and Combination Officers Section will use one of the clips prior to the National Anthem at our opening ceremonies. Our Leadership Symposium is being held in Clearwater, Florida Nov 4-8, 2009.
Fred Windisch
Fire Chief
Ponderosa FD
Houston, Texas
I would like to invite anyone that can attend to our National Anthem Project on Sept 14, 2009 on the steps of Patriot Hall located in Sumter, SC.which is the home of Shaw AFB. The event begins at 11:00 a.m. This will be our fifth year of this event. Over 300 students from Sumter School District Two are involved. The Mayor, City and County Council as well as many Senators and State Legislators attend this event. We always have a spokesperson to represent Shaw AFB also.
We are so very proud to hear the roar of the F-16’s above us as they represent the sound of freedom!
Thank you to all of our service men and women, past and present! We love and honor you!
Linda Beck
Choral Director
Furman Middle School
Sumter, SC 20154
803-481-8519