On Aug. 18, my husband, a friend and I attended the entertainment at the Bar D Chuckwagon. Needless to say, we are local, loyal fans who enjoy the Bar D’s old Western music and comedy mingled into the program. At the beginning of the show, the veterans in the audience are recognized for their services to their great country. A number of years ago, after Sept. 11, Cy Scarborough, owner and founder of the Bar D Wranglers, composed a patriotic ending of entertainment with the songs “God Bless America” and “Proud to be an American.” It has since been tradition by the crowd to stand up to show respect when the songs are sung. But our recent experience was a huge disappointment, to say the least.
When the Wranglers began singing “God Bless America” (and they ask everyone in the audience to sing along), only nine of us stood up and the rest of the audience sat on their butts – even the veterans who were recognized before the show. When it came to the song “Proud to be an American” and the words “And I gladly stand up,” I cupped my hands and hollered “stand up” and by golly, they all finally stood up. And I asked myself, “what has happened to our patriotism and love of our country?”
Now I know why our country is in such bad shape; many Americans don’t care the way they used to and don’t show the respect that America deserves. What a big disappointment. Cy and the Wranglers should not have to ask people to stand up and honor our country. Americans should do it naturally. Bummer!
Terrie Miller
Bayfield
