National Anthem

What's wrong with this photo (Back Page Oct. 8)? That guy has a beer bottle in his hand - what's up with security at the Vet? Terry J. Linder, Atlantic City At the last Eagles game, just before the National Anthem, all the cheerleaders took to the field to dance - and to my surprise the music that was being played was not a song popular with any Americans. To make matters worse, it was a song with Spanish lyrics. Steven Muzychka, Philadelphia

His basketball coach says Ryan Lee is a "man of few words. " His volleyball coach says Lee is "a quiet leader. " But the strong, silent approach doesn't always work for Lee when it comes to his dealings with the director of Cherry Hill West High School's award-winning a cappella group, Men of Note. "Ryan can give us that extra-low note," said Jonathan Flowers, a music teacher at Cherry Hill West. "He has such a deep voice. " Flowers calls Lee "a gentle giant," noting that the 6-foot-4 senior who specializes in gritty defensive play on the basketball court and thunderous spikes in volleyball has a personality that belies his muscular singing voice.

THE HECK WITH dribbling, shooting, passing and defending. For Shep Garner, Roman Catholic High's newest basketball sensation, the most challenging task is trying to keep a straight face right before the games begin. When Roman is the home team, that is. Garner's mother, Kim, is a professional singer (fronts one band; has another of her own) and . . . hey, there she is, impeccably dressed, standing right in front of the scorers' table, belting out the national anthem. "I'm laughing on the inside, but I can't let it show," said the personable Garner, a 6-2, 190-pound sophomore point guard.

I ATTENDED the 10,000 Men rally in hopes that I would walk away feeling very positive about the program. It started with the "black national anthem" and was not followed up with the national anthem. If the program is supposed to be about unity and welcome to all, then both songs should have been sung. I am in total support of getting black men to step up in their communities because when the community takes a stance against crime and violence, it does make a difference. It's one thing for my group to go into a community, speak to people about working with the police and being proactive against the criminals that are trying to steal everyone's right to live free and safe, but then we leave.

As an American, a veteran and a person reasonably interested in sports activities, I would like to comment on a moment during the pre-game ceremony of an event of great national interest, the recent Army Navy game. The rendition of the national anthem at this great sports spectacle brought tears to my eyes and made me proud of my country and heritage. The quality of performance rightfully commanded the respect to flag and country of those massed in attendance as well as our countrymen abroad who were present through worldwide media coverage.

Comedian Roseanne Barr screeched her way through the national anthem last week and caused a hue and cry about public disrespect for a sacred symbol of the United States. I'm neither opposed to the anthem, nor in love with Barr. But the bulky comedian's performance did more in a single day to bring attention to the national anthem than anyone else has accomplished in a long time. People who don't even know the words of the anthem put on their best patriotic pose after Roseanne's presentation and berated the TV comic.

That "The Star-Spangled Banner" has failed as our national anthem, that it is an embarrassing symbol, a musical laughingstock, is all too clear. Nor is there any doubt that this nation - having survived 210 years - deserves better. The solution is obvious. The problems with "The Star-Spangled Banner" begin with its range - an octave and a half. It is well beyond that of the average citizen and several notes beyond that of most popular singers. Frank Sinatra's voice, for example, does not have an octave and a half range; this country should have no national anthem that Sinatra cannot sing.

It's time to bite the bullet. America needs a new national anthem, one with a tune anybody can sing and with words we can all remember. Our national song is so difficult to sing, laughter often replaces the reverence the anthem should inspire. For several years now, the American response to the singing (and maiming) of "The Star Spangled Banner" has ranged from nervousness to embarrassment to rage. It is rare when anyone triumphs over the musical treatment of our most revered official song.

We LOVE the Sixers The Sixers have really been an inspiration. We are thankful for the energy and excitement the team has put forth. The city loves you, Sixers. Christine Charleston, Philadelphia Advice for SEPTA SEPTA should consider trackless trolleys to help reduce the rising cost of diesel fuel. Electric buses are quiet and don't pollute. It would save SEPTA so much that the savings would go toward other improvements. Broad Street and Roosevelt Boulevard would be great for these types of buses.