Kelly Ogle's My 2 Cents: Home of the Brave

Kelly Ogle sounds off about the controversial ending to the National Anthem at OU's home game last Saturday.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:56 am

By: News On 6

Kelly Ogle's My 2 Cents: Home of the Brave

Originally Published: Sep 14, 2010 11:17 AM CDT

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Kelly Ogle
Special Contributor for Oklahoma Sports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Saturday, for the first time in years, I put on crimson and cream and headed to the football stadium in Norman. I'm an OSU grad, and OSU is number one with me, but OU would be 1A. Just a little background so you'll know I'm not out to get Sooner fans.

Memorial Stadium was packed and loud before kickoff, the fans were fired up and ready.

Apparently it has become a tradition among some at the OU games to change the ending of the National Anthem. Instead of "the home of the brave", they say "...the home of the Sooners."

I thought it was tacky, but not intended to be disrespectful.

Now, I consider myself patriotic.

My heart beats faster when I hear the National Anthem. It's a combination of pride and gratitude for this country. But I was reminded today that the men and women who have risked their lives for this country understand and feel the National Anthem on a much deeper level.

I got a very emotional call Monday afternoon from a veteran who served in Afghanistan. He couldn't find the words to express the hurt he felt at this dishonoring of the National Anthem.

If those who've served this country are offended by it, that's all I need to know. Their vote trumps ours.

Air Force is coming to town this weekend. If you go to the game, nudge the guy next to you before the National Anthem and remind him that's he's in the home of the brave.

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