Star Spangled Banner

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

To many of you,,,,this will sound like a flag
waving attention getter. This will be a fairly long thread,,,I promised my self I would not post or start a thread anymore,,but
I wanted all of you to know this little story
of mine. Its long.

Way back in 1938 ,,,I started going to baseball games with my dad. He would take me
to Ebbets Field in Brooklyn home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. I would sit through batting
practice and would marvel at the players of those times.

I have in my memory and always will,,,,,I remember prior to the game starting,,,the Dodgers would take the field,,,,the beautiful
green grass contrasted against the rich brown
infield dirt made a beautiful picture to a 8
year old kid.

I would wait all excited as the Dodgers would take the field,,,,the crowd would stand and applaud what was probably one of the worst teams in the National league,,,,but it didnt matter,,,,they were the Dodgers. I would sit there with popcorn in one hand and a baseball glove on the other
in hope I would catch a "foul ball" or better
yet a Dodgers Home Run......

It seems like yesterday as the organist Gladys Gooding would ask everyone to stand for our national anthem. Being a youngster...to me it was just a song about our country,,,I would look at my dad standing next to me as all the others around me,,,holding their hand over their heart,,this was a picture I will never forget.

I looked at my dad as they were all singing our National Anthem and saw his eyes fill up.
I looked out on the field at this beautiful
picture I will never ever forget,,,The Dodgers with their home white uniforms with their Royal "Dodger Blue" caps standing at their positions on the field,,,,facing the
scoreboard in right field,,,Ebetts field was much like Wrigley field it was located in a
residential neighborhood,,,with every race creed etc etc,,,,we all love'd the Dodgers.

As the Organ started to play the National Anthem,,,,the players stood motionless looking at the American Flag on top of the scoreboard in right field,,,,,what a thrill that was for me,,,the colorful advertisements
on the scoreboard,,,the Dodgers standing still as our flag waved gently in the bright sunshine in the afternoon breeze on a warm summer day.

I had to ask my dad why he had tears in his eyes,,,(hey the Dodgers didnt lose yet) it was only the beginning of the game,,,,he said to me,,,I am thinking of all those boys
who gave their lives for this country,,,he was reffering to WW 1,,,,where his brother my uncle was killed in action.

I have heard the National Anthem a million times all of my life,,,OK Iam an American like all of you,,,I became accustomed to it
I took it for granted,,,,c'mon lets get on with the game.

Today as I was driving home from town here in
a small town in Pennsylvania,,,I heard the most beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled
Banner it was played on a local radio station
The girl who sang it sang it better than I have ever heard,,,it really gave me the chills to hear this,,,,my thoughts went back to that day a long time ago,,,,when was at Ebetts Field with my dad,,,,the Dodgers,,,,the smell of hot dogs,,a bright and sunny summer day,,,the vibrant green grass,,,,the rich rust brown color of the infield,,,the Dodgers in their white home uniforms standing like statues holding their
caps over their hearts,,,,,what a sight that was.
That all came back to me today and I too had a hard time gaining my composure,,,I was alone in the car,,,but my heart was heavy for all those people who perished in that
tragic act by cowards.

I knew then exactly how my dad felt that sunny sunday afternoon so many many years ago
my eyes were filled as well.

My thoughts of those days are etched in my memories,,,but they came back like I was re-living a time gone by in a different world.

This is the best country in the world,,,sure we have different politcal opinions,,,different religious beliefs,,,but one thing we share,,,We Are Americans and the world "envies us" hey we also share something else,,,,I forgot the Steel Guitar..

PS... I wanted to share this corny old story with you,,,,and I think the Dodgers lost that day many years ago,,,,so I cried as well
for them,,,,I have cried for many years,,cause...the Dodgers from Brooklyn also
reffered to affectionatly as "Dem Bums" lost a lot of games,,,I shed a lot of tears over the years,,,,,hey Im listening to Ron Elliot
playing his great version of America The Beautiful...& The Lords prayer,,,they seem to go together especially at a time like this
Am I a "flag waver" you bet Iam,,,,and Im proud to wave the "greatest flag" in the world.

My uncle also died in WW 2 ,,,,my heart is heavy now as is millions of Americans and good people all over the world,,,my heart goes out to all of them....Im only sorry the Dodgers moved to LA,,,,too bad you are not all Dodger fans as I.....but I cant ask for more,,,,you are all steel guitar players some nuttier than others,,,,,but thats life.

God bless you and God Bless this country,,,
Its still the Best,,,,even if the Dodgers left Brooklyn,,,at least we have the Mets.

Sorry for the long story,,,,but thats my specialty,,,you should all know that by now.

PS NY YANKEE FANS EXCLUDED,,,,,,,only kidding

Edited to look up who won that game,back in 1938,,,,The Dodgers lost 3-2 to the New York
Giants,,,I hated the NY Giants,,,but some of my best friends are Giants fans to this day.
But I dont hold that against them,,,they dont know any better,,,,,grin,,,, a good buddy of mine Mike Gross a DJ back here is a Giant fan,,,I love him in spite of that..thats all folks,,,,,keep on pickin better days are coming. God will see to that.

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 12 September 2001 at 03:01 PM.]

Gene Jones · From: Oklahoma City, OK USA, (deceased)

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[This message was edited by Gene Jones on 02 May 2002 at 04:24 AM.]

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

Thank you Gene,,,I saw no replies and figured
no one like to "wave the flag" or maybe dont
like "The Dodgers"

Thanks again,,,,Jody saw your post on Events&
Announcements,,,,Great,,,,,,

Jody

Fred Jack · From: Bastrop, Texas 78602

Jody, You mention ..difference in politics,difference in religions and etc..Thats exactly what America stands for! I feel that we should allow others to come to America and join in our freedom.I feel that the freedom "we" offer does not allow those coming in to infringe on our freedom.They should "comply" with our freedom! All of those involved in this horrendous act should die! If a country wants to hide them then annihilate the country!That's the spirit ain't it.I profess to be a Christian but a time like this it would be impossible to turn the other cheek.
Hey Jody I am a flag waver.I get teary eyed every time I listen to Ron Elliot's album.I've had it a few years now and I really enjoy it. Later...fred
p.s. I listened to the dodgers beginning in 1947.They were "my team" until they moved. I felt abandoned. fred

John Gretzinger · From: Canoga Park, CA

Jody -

You are always right on. I too am a flag waver - always have been, always will be. There's not much I can add to what you have said.

If you really want the Dodgers back, I'll do my best to send them your way.

Take care my friend,

jdg

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MSA D-10
'63 Gibson Hummingbird
16/15c Hammered Dulcimer

Larry Miller · From: Dothan AL,USA

Jody, your story is the essence of freedom in America. I remember on the Parade Field, when I graduated from basic training, the Army Band playing our national anthem...... I could feel the vibrations of all the instruments inside my body as the tears welled up in my eyes, it was then that I understood what my Father (A WWII vet)had been preaching to me about patriotism. Another Proud Flag Waver. Larry "Proud Flag Waver" Miller

Craig A Davidson · From: Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin USA

Jody, I too am a patriot, and my eyes mist at the National Anthem, or America The Beautiful. They always have and they always will. I love the country I live in, and would fight to the death to keep it the way it is. Yesterday, as I e-mailed you, was one of the worst days of my life. My only hope is that they find who is responsable and give them what they have coming. You are alright in my book Jody, even if you do like the Dodgers.

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1985 Emmons push-pull, Session 500, Nashville400, 65 re-issue Fender Twin, Fender Tele

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

Hi Guys
After reading your replies I thought of something that is often used in a respect of
being "corny" the expression Baseball, Apple
Pie & Chevrolet,,,, Funny thing I do have a Chevorlet,,,I love Apple pie even though it makes my pants feel tight around the waist& I love baseball,,,,,they left out Steel guitar,,,,but that's America to me.

Thanks for your nice replies,,I appreciate them,,,Craig I forgive you too even if you dont like the Dodgers,,as long as you like
Apple Pie ,,,you dont even have to like Chevrolet's,,,but you love the steel guitar
and you love America,,,thats good enough for me.....God Bless America and all of you guys
and your loved one's as well.

Andy Volk · From: Boston, MA

Jody, that was a beautiful and moving story and beautifully written. Thank you for sharing that memory. You took us all back to that exact moment in time. I too lost an uncle in WWII whom I never knew. My Mom remembers coming home from college to find everyone crying in the living room. I can only imagine. I have never been a particularly patriotic person. I am now.

Bill Sharpe · From: Hermitage, TN 37076, USA

Thank you Jody and I'm glad to see you posting again.

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B#

Steve Feldman · From: Central MA USA

Me too.

Bob Hayes · From: Church Hill,Tenn,USA

Jody,
I grew up in Western Mass and was a RedSox fan and fan of the local Pittsfild Team. 22 years in the USAF every where in the worrld including that little scirmish that we had in SE Asia..I still get choked up when I see the Flag wave,Here the Stars Bangeled Banner, America the Beutiful,God Bless America, or Lee Greenwoods "I'm Proud to be an American. I remember my Step Father taking me to the train station (gone now) in 1948 to see Harry S Truman on his "Whistle Stop Tour" durring the Presidential election process. I an a staunch and proud card carrying republican now ,but I realy respected "The Buck Stop Here" Harry...and the my little flag waving for him and America as a little Boy. What is wrong with being patriotic and being proud of something! Standing up before a sports event to pay tribute to our flag and our country..I've been all over the world in my life time durring my duty for my country.But a parade, or any event where the "Colors" are shown...and WE ARE paying tribute to our Country abd those who have protected and fallen for our country is all right with me.
"I'm Proud To Be AN American, Where I KNow At Least I'm Free"...Jody ..It's fine to get chocked up...The Dodgers...is another story
as are my OLD team the Redskins..since I left South Carolina and the Panthers..The Titans are my new heros as is our current Commander In Chief. God Bless America..and God bless the Pedal Steel Guitar and it's players...And prayer's for all of those people in NY..and ground zero at the Pentegon.and who were on those aircraft..
Too bad that the Dodgers lost that day!!!!
Grouchyvet

Paul Graupp · From: Macon Ga USA

Jody; What could anyone add to that ? That is why I am so proud to have you as a friend. You know what is in my heart on these things and others as well. Regards, Paul.

B.Jenkins · From: Parkersburg, WV...U.S.A

Mr. Carver;
I to am a proud flag waver 365 days a year it has never came down once ,except to replace it with a new one since 1988 when my two sons entered the military, it's been their for so long now the front porch looks naked without it flying, Freedom is something that we all love, and those idiots that did this cowardly deed,hate us because we all stand as one in times of grief and trouble, and they will NEVER break us. so they sneak in like rats and then run and hide. But they cant run forever.
B.Jenkins

Leroy Riggs · From: Looney Tunes, R.I.P.

Well said Jody!

As I went to put up my flag today, I found that the flag staff was broken. I called around and it was very heartening to find not one single flag was available. Every flag that would have been found in Loveland was bought or given away by the businesses and those flags are flying today on homes!

I find some way to fly my flag today and I'll never get caught with my flag down again.

Leroy

Leslie Elliott · From: Madison, Tennessee USA

THANKS Jody for the great post and the kind words about Ron's renditions of two of our patriotic songs. As anyone who knows Ron or has seen him play at conventions he always pays tribute to our great country and the men/women who fought for it. It still gives me'goose bumps'and brings tears to my eyes to hear him play these songs. He and I both have flags flying on our cars and one flying from our balcony and will continue to do so. Sure hope every American will fly the red, white and blue and saturate our country with these colors so thick that the terrorists can't see through them. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

[This message was edited by Leslie Elliott on 13 September 2001 at 09:08 PM.]

Wayne Baker · From: Altus Oklahoma

We remain, America. We remain free.

Wayne Baker

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Emmons Legrande d-10 w/8&5 Nashville 400, peavey ultraverb II.

Steve Schmidt · From: Ramsey, MN, USA

Why was it decided that the National Anthem would not be played at the US Open of Tennis? Word has it that it would be too offensive to non Americans. B.S.

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

Steve,,,,maybe because they never heard it played by "Ron Elliot",,,,,

Jason Stillwell · From: Caddo, OK, USA

Jody,
Thanks so much for your story. We young folks can always use a dose of patriotic reality such as you relayed to us. Unfortunately, we were dealt a near overdose of reality this past Terrible Tuesday. I'm certainly hoping to see an upswing in godliness and morality to go along with the upswing in patriotism occuring as a result of our nation's terrible tragedy.

God bless America, and God bless Americans!
--js

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

Thank you guys,,,appreciate your comments,in lieu of the terrible thing that has happened this past week,,,Iam sure it will bring all
Americans and others from abroad the love that we should have for each other,,,my dad always told me,,," We are All Gods Children"

Who knows,,,the world may become another
Steel Guitar Forum,,,,where we can voice our opinions and still love one another. Yes I would like the Dodgers back here,,,The poor Red Sox need the company,, better days are coming. America has once more become UNITED.

Good luck and the best of health to all of you and yours.....Jody

John Robel · From: colbert washington

I always fly two flags on my porch,partly because some of my nieghbors,sadly never do,and mainly I guess because I'm twice as proud.My grandpa survived a taste of mustard gas in WW1 and my Dad served on the Antietam in WW2.I always say by grace of God and Richard Nixon, I didn't serve in Vietnam, but i damn sure would with pride because it is owed and because I LOVE AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Al Johnson · From: Sturgeon Bay, WI USA

First, let me state that I am a Jody Carver fan. I enjoyed his playing on recordings over the years and I really enjoy what he writes.
The beginning of this thread was great. I've never been a baseball fan, but, hand me one of those hotdogs. Al

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

AL,,,,,with or without "mustard"?? thanks for your kind words.

The same goes to all of you guys. As most of you know,,,,I was bombarded with e mails from
a "not so nice person" I became disheartened
and wanted to quit the Forum.

But after seeing the good people that outnumber the other kind,,I will not "give up the ship".

I have received 2 e mails at home here re this thread,,,and I have this to say to those
people and here it is.

What have I done to you??? The next time I receive an e mail as you sent yesterday..I will post your message to me and disclose your e mail address on the Forum....and you can take that to the bank.

As for the rest of you guys,,,,,I do regard you in the highest regard,,,and hope sometime
I will have the chance to meet you at one of the shows,,,I'll be the guy with the Dodgers
Jersey and the "Hot Dog Consession" no charge for all you guys,,,,even give you xtra
mustard as well.....God Bless all of you guys
and you too Leslie,,,you are one of the "guys" as well....God Bless America,,,,here we go to prove what we are made of,,,,Baseball,,Chevrolet, Apple Pie, & Hot Dogs for all of you. Dont tell bOb,,,I think he would eat all those Apple Pies.....

John De Maille · From: On a Mountain in Upstate Halcottsville, N.Y.

Jody,
I'm sorry to say, that I only just read your post, and it has moved me to the bone.I have always been a flag waver and a very staunch supporter of our beloved country. I proudly served in the armed forces back in the late 60's, even though we were unpopular with some of the so-called educated. To this day, my eyes well up with tears when I hear any of our great patriotic songs. Especially, the Star Spangle Banner. Your post was really heartwarming to me. It only goes to show again, that we're all Americans, and we all have little individual tales to tell about how we all feel. We will not be overcome by this atrocity to mankind. We will "Overcome" this atrocity.
God Bless you, and God Bless America

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