Yes, we New Jerseyites claim
the Giants as ours. Their home field is
here in New Jersey, in the Meadowlands.
They belong to us – not New York!
Getting to the point: Whitney
Houston sang The Star Spangled Banner to kick off Super Bowl XXV. It was a soul-stirring rousing rendition that
became a best selling CD with the profits going to charity. The CD cover says, The Whitney Houston Foundation for Children, Inc. and Arista Records
are donating their royalties and net proceeds from the sale of this product to
the New York Fraternal Order of Police and The New York Firefighters 9/11
Disaster Relief Fund.
I was at a Super-Bowl gathering of friends and family in a party-cozy apartment anticipating the end of the traditional song honoring America and then the coin toss getting the game in motion. But wait! Everyone had stopped refreshing their drinks, stopped gathering munchies, stopped chit chatting. Whitney Houston’s clear phrasing and strong emotional presentation had totally grabbed our attention. Her wonderful voice grandly serenaded a passion for America that resonated like none other had singing The Star Spangled Banner.
That momentous event was 21 years ago. Americas involvement in the Gulf War had
prompted serious concern about Super Bowl XXV even going forward, being held in 1991. Then seeing and hearing The Star Spangled Banner sung that
way in that stadium by Whitney Houston, evoked patriotic fervor from the tens of thousands present and those of us watching our TVs. Enthusiasm for America's grand old flag and all it represented soared high as the
sky and wide as the horizon.
It was a proud day for our
State. The New York Giants won. And a beautiful daughter of New Jersey played
an unforgettable role.
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ReplyDeleteI deleted my previous. It simply said, "This is a test." I was trying to help a person having a problem trying to post a comment. In fact she had posted a lengthy comment and it never appeared. But my "This is a Test" did appear...which I deleted.
ReplyDeleteI remember that moment so well. The family was together for the Superbowl and Whitney sang. I'd never heard anyone before or after sing that song the way she did, magnificent! Whitney was a Jersey Girl, a stunning representative for our country who expressed more emotion about our country through a song than most can do during a speech. It is so wonderful that our Governor Christie decided to fly the flag at half mast for her. The Governor isn't a pushover and the negative comments did nothing to sway his decision. Thank you Governor Christie!! And besides, flags are flown and given away for any number of reasons, not just to recognized members of government organizations. Eagle Scouts get a US Flag that has been flown over the White House for a day, and all they did was get a bunch of badges and do a community project. Whitney represented our country. Although some people think she was just a singer, they are mistaken, and thats ok. Folks are allowed to make a mistake. Things are tough out here and maybe alot of people don't feel as special as they think they are. But let's not turn in to a nation of STINGY people. Its so unbecoming.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your candid observation. I agree!!!!
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ReplyDeleteBoth the post and the response were wonderful to read. GREAT writing!! Cheers to our Jersey Girl!
ReplyDelete(COPY and PASTE into url)Look ------> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1z4y43a&s=5
Also watch this!!!
ReplyDelete------> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8TlnBwFYUo
Yes, I appreciate the truth that sharing praise and thanksgiving is a good and inspiring thing. Loving that Video! ! ! What a special icon she is!
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