On singing the national anthem

In various papers today are articles like this one from the Washington Times. The Times went to the Mall, quizzing people about the lyrics of the National Anthem.

This is one test I could pass. Indeed, when I was started high school, in try-outs for the high school chorus, the test for admission was singing the National Anthem. After about ten seconds, the director told me to quit, and moved on to the next candidate - I was in.

Then and now, I can belt out the National Anthem, and do so at every opportunity, sometimes to the embarrassment, amusement, delight or whatever of those around me (generally in the stands at football stadiums on Saturdays in the fall).