I am forming this petition in an effort to change our National Anthem. The history of our National Anthem is both troubling in context and in recent times, has become extremely divisive. In actuality the history of our National Anthem is quite young. While used sparingly throughout our nation’s history since its writing, it wasn’t adopted as our National Anthem until 1931. It wasn’t played regularly at sporting events until the Second World War. 

     Now we see the protests for social equality a goal many of our fathers, grandfathers, mothers and grandmothers have tried to achieve for years and years and one of the most affective protests began when Colin Kaepernick chose to kneel during the National Anthem to shine a light on the injustices people of color face today, yesterday and have faced throughout our nations history. So the National Anthem has become a point of contention used by politicians who choose not to lead, to stoke animosity and stamp out a message worth listening to and a truth we should all accept responsibility for. Our Nation is not perfect, it is not equal and there is a lot of work ahead of us. 

    If we are to take the issues of our time seriously and move forward towards a more perfect and equal union, a union great men and women have fought and died for then I believe this is a step worth taking. It will not solve anything if further action does not follow, however I believe this is worth doing. Why not change our National Anthem to something more celebratory, “America The Beautiful” or “My Country ‘tis of Thee” or strike a more hopeful tone for equality with “This Land is your Land”? Or something entirely different, perhaps an original song of inclusivity and equality by a modern American composer? 

    I hope you will join me in signing this petition and pushing for this change. I believe the current National Anthem has served it purpose and more importantly I believe it’s time for America to sing a new song. One of hope, equality, and one that helps our nation believe that one day this great nation will fulfill the hopes and dreams of all its citizens. 

Thank you!!