Posted on 07/04/2007 3:22:25 AM PDT by gobucks
I have a sad story to be told about our National Anthem to the Americans who don’t know it. The short version of the story is I was a Prisoner of War with the Chinese in Korea for two and a half years.
During the war, from 4/23/51 to 8/16/53, while I was a prisoner, we were required to learn and sing the Chinese National Anthem at every gathering (lectures, formations, classes, and every meal).
I went in the army in 1950 not knowing my National Anthem, and I came out of the Army and POW camp knowing the Chinese anthem by heart.
This is the real point of embarrassment — when I was released in August of 1953.
(First I must explain, a “progressive” is a turncoat who attended Chinese classes to learn communism As a reward for participating, they were not required to do any work and were given better food and larger quantity I am proud to say there were only 23 of these people who were progressives out of over 3,000 POWs.)
When we were released at the 38th parallel at Pamonjon, some of these turncoats not returning home, stood on the communist side of the 38th parallel singing the Chinese national anthem by heart, loud and proud they sang their song. We, us proud Americans tried to sing our National Anthem, but we could not--NOBODY knew it! We walked away in shame, listening to the Chinese and turncoats singing the Chinese national anthem.
Oh, how I wished I knew my National Anthem at that time. I still know the Chinese national anthem, but not “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Shameful, But I am going to memorize it.
This a story that needs to be told to our younger and older generation.
(Excerpt) Read more at militaryorder.net ...
By the way, it has four verses ... here is the last two lines of the last verse:
Then conquer we must when our cause it is just And this be our motto: “In God is our Trust.” And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Youre forgiven sir...and thank you for keeping my family safe
At Ft Sam they had soldier of the week boards. A soldier in my platoon went tothe board, and that night at formation they called her out.
Apperently they thought they’d pulled a fast one on her, making her recite that last verse. But she knew it. So they called her out at this formation and had her sing it to the company.
Most of us had never heard that last verse (myself included), and while she wasn’t 100% on tune, it was beautiful. It really brought tears to your eyes.
I have trouble believing this. He was so ashamed but he still didn’t learn it after 50 years.
I agree. This doesn't seem to pass the smell test.
Actually, some people have no talent for memorizing music. My husband cannot remember a single song, not even Happy Birthday or the ABC song. He can remember numbers, however, and do other things. I can hear a song only once and sing it back, and still remember it years later.
Great story... but I had the very same thought. Common sense would have one wanting to learn it ASAP after release.
LLS
“Actually, some people have no talent for memorizing music.”
_________________________________________________________
Since (according to the article) Cpl. Peters was capable of memorizing the Chinese anthem, I doubt he falls into this group. That being said, I don’t believe this story for a minute.
i have the same problem - only recently did mom apologize for dropping me on my head as a baby ;)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.