A moment to be recognized: Alessandro Scalora & Madeleine Mravkarov proudly paraded onto the dance floor, not as individuals, but as the United States representatives to the 2021 World DanceSport Federation World Championships. Watch how Alessandro held our flag high and even checked it at the bottom of the stairs, ensuring perfection. As we say in the military, “BZ!!”
Years ago, my then-seven-year-old son, Philip, decided he was going to talk and goof around during the National Anthem of the United States, at the beginning of his USA Swimming meet. As a Marine, I put my left hand firmly on his shoulder and remained tall with my right hand over my heart until the last note rang true. Then we had serious words outside in the snow.
The next day, instead of going to the swim meet, we met a friend and made an important trip to the National Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. It was a cold, crisp day, and a new blanket of snow had covered the ground overnight. It would have been easier to stay at the meet or head home, but I was on a mission. As we approached the massive wall, I asked Philip, “What do you see?”
He was cold and unhappy about missing his events, but looked and said, “A wall.”
We walked further and I asked him again, “What do you see?”
He looked at the large expanse and noticed there was more to it. “There’s writing on the wall.” My friend, a Marine Colonel, remained quiet.
We drew even closer, where Philip could see more clearly what was in front of him. But he was tired of my repeated question. “What do you see?”
“There are names on the wall,” he said perturbed.
“So,” I asked, “whose names are they?”
He was a smart kid and knew we were visiting the Vietnam War Memorial, so he gave me the perfect, but wrong, answer. “People who fought in the War.”
“No,” I corrected. “People who DIED in the War.”
The little guy stopped and looked at the panel with different eyes. His brain was processing, and he slowly started backing up. All three of us continued backing until we could once again see the vastness of the structure. We were all quiet. It was sadly awesome.
The Colonel went to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Directory of Names to look up his lost friend, and we found his name. The Colonel shed some solemn tears, Philip made an etching, and we shared a moment of sad silence. What a horrific war, what a loss, what a tragedy — 58,272 American lives…gone.
On the way out, we ALL stopped, stared into the vacant eyes of the famous statue of three battle-weary Soldiers, acknowledged our American Stars and Stripes, and carried on. Lesson learned. Mission complete.
So, why do I tell this story and why is it in American Dancer? As a child, growing up in the United States, standing tall with my hand on my heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance was the start of every school day. Later at the United States Naval Academy, I learned to stand at attention and salute at the sound of the National Anthem. Still later, in the Marine Corps, when the Star Spangle Banner played on a Marine Corps Base, every man, woman and child stopped, turned to the music, and remained motionless until the last note sounded; traffic even stopped, and drivers stepped out to stand at attention. Why? We all halted to recognize the sacrifices of those who came before us, the honor we have to live in this great country, and the freedoms we all share.
This brings me to the National Anthem performed at USA Dance events. It is not meant to be a call of “Dancers start your engines,” or “Get your shoes on — you have three minutes.” It is not meant to show the judges that you are a great American when you are in the ballroom, or an opportunity to talk with your friends and go about your business when you are in the adjoining practice room.
It is a moment of patriotism. It is a moment to respect “the land of the free…” It is a moment to recognize and pay homage to those who fought and died for our country. It is a moment that we recognize that it is not just about us as individuals.
The next time you hear the National Anthem at a competition or anywhere else — whether you are in a ballroom, practice room, or hallway — stop, face the United States flag or (if you can’t see the flag) the music, and put your hand over your heart. Sing out loud, if you wish. Set the example!! Students in schools are still taught this. Olympic athletes are taught this. Military men and women live and die for this. Coaches and Parents, please insist on this.
Unlike some professional sporting event athletes, you compete as a member of an organization — USA Dance – that represents the United States of America. Do the right thing. Show respect for our country…your country. Then, dance well.
So…”What do you see?”
The United States flag is the symbol of our great Nation; it is not a decoration. There is a correct way to display it and a proper way to acknowledge it. Please do it right. The next time you hear the National Anthem, pause and reflect. More importantly…Pause and Respect!!
