billhamp 
March 5, 2013So the other day Amanda and I were invited to a fundraiser for Hope House International. A great organization that supports the adoption of Ukrainian orphans. We had an amazing time at this first class event. As part of the program Lee Greenwood sang his signature song, “God Bless the USA“. With a full choir and orchestra behind him it was absolutely amazing.
The next morning I was flying out on a business trip with a guy who will remain nameless. Let’s just say he’s a few years younger than me and I work with him on a daily basis. I was telling him about this event, what a great job Hope House International did and then I told him that Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the USA” and totally killed it.
Nothing.
I could tell by the look in his eyes that it wasn’t impressive to him.
Me: You know, Lee Greenwood. . . “God Bless the USA”?
Him: mmmm. . . Nope. I mean, I know the song but never heard of Lee Greenwood.
Me: (I can’t spell the look of shock I had on my face)
Lady in front of us overhearing our conversation turns around: I can’t spell the look of shock on her face.
Me: Are you serious?!!!!! Lee Greenwood?!!! God Bless the USA!!!!
Him: Yes, I heard you. I know the song but never heard of the guy.
Me: So sad.
So, this morning my daughter and I are driving to school. I’m talking to her about this article I read in The Tennessean yesterday about it being the 50 year anniversary of the plane crash that took Patsy Cline’s life. I expected her to have heard of Patsy Cline but not much more than that. Just that the name would ring a bell:
Me: Have you heard of Patsy Cline?
Syd: No.
Me: Crazy. . .(I sing it)
Syd: No.
Me: I Fall to Pieces. . . (I sing again)
Syd: No.
Me: Well, honey, Patsy Cline, George Jones. . .these people are like the foundation of the Grand Ole Opry. You live in Nashville. . .you need to know these things! They’re the classics!
Syd: Nothing
We keep driving and then she says, “Wait!”
What?!!! Could we have a breakthrough?!!! Somewhere in her brain did she just remember? She speaks. . .
Syd: “Is Patsy Cline the one with the price tag on her hat???”
Me: No Honey. That would be Minnie Pearl. But you’re close. . . kinda.
Where did I go wrong? Am I just old???
Young people today are not being taught patriotism. As a kid in school we recited the Pledge, sang our national anthem, and the teacher always said a prayer.
We discussed in class any military conflict that the USA was involved in. The teacher explained what aggression by our “enemy” was…as a young kid I wanted to join the Marines and fight the Japs for their atrocities against our military, and Pearl Harbor.
Today younger people have no idea how to show respect for our Flag. They don’t stand, and remove their hats when the flag comes by in parade. Kids drop our flag on the ground. At sporting events men stand during the anthem, and don’t remove their hats. These things, as a veteran, ticks me off. I want to say to them “do you realize that flag represents your freedom, and the supreme sacrifice made by millions of American men and women military so you can have your freedom?” and, on many occasions I have…….GOD BLESS OUR WARRIORS and AMERICA !!!
You’re a great American Dad.
I’m surprised they don’t know Lee Greenwood from post-9/11. That song was huge for about three months.
I feel old every time I am reminded that I have nieces who can drive…legally. I assumed that would never actually happen for some reason.
With that as a gauge, then I am old! My daughter drives me to school every morning.
I like to say that we are…..cultured…..experienced….it has nothing to do with age.
I’ll keep this in mind Kim. Thanks.
I remember our family sneaking under the wood fence at Opryland USA in 1990 to get in the back row and hear Lee Greenwood. I remember wearing my “We Love Senior Master Sgt. Larry Smith” T-Shirt with my Dad’s face on it cause he was off fighting in the Gulf War. Between that and the sun-visors and fanny packs, everything we had screamed U-S-A. This song reached such a level of reverence it was considered un-American and an act against God not to stand whenever it was played. Kids these days!
AMEN !!! Smitty
Love it Smitty!
Bill,
You are not that old…unless I’m getting old too. Oh man. I totally know who Lee Greenwood (and all the other peeps are too). I can thank my daddy for that cause he always listened to “old” country radio.
When I was a kid, God Bless the USA, always made me tear up. I guess I was born a little patriotic.
Good for your Dad Vicky. Good upbringin’ there.
Personally, I wouldn’t work with someone who is unfamiliar with Lee… at least not very closely. The lack of cultural knowledge and patriotism speaks volumes about this guy’s character. #ThatsWhatsWrongWithThisCountry
Nice! I’ll personally pass this on to my co-worker direct from you.
Before you know it, we’ll look up and our own teens won’t know the words to all three verses of Family Tradition and The Devil Went Down To Georgia…
Can’t let that happen jack. Not on my watch!
Bill,
Perhaps, it would be a good time to take the next few Sundays and have a family Movie Night and watch movies based on Country Music Singer’s lives.
(Then you might bring them to work for others to watch too !! haha)
MOVIES about Country Stars:
Coal Miners Daughter (Loretta Lynn)
Walk the Line (John and June Carter Cash)
Sweet Dreams (Patsy Cline)
Get to the Heart (Barbara Mandrell)
Love Can Build a Bridge (The Judds)
Standy By Your Man (George Jones/Tammy Wynette)
Big Dreams and Broken Hearts (Dottie West)
Elvis (any of the them)
Enjoy !!
I’ll get on it Thom! Thanks for the recommendations.