Equality should be reflected in anthem

June 29, 2016 · 0 Comments

(Re: Reader has “anthem pride”, June 16)

Your reader’s critique of the change to our national anthem warrants a rebuttal.
Our original anthem was gender neutral until 1913 when national patriotism reached fervour because of the impeding First World War conflict.
Thus, it was amended to “our sons command.”
This was a time when women did not even have the right to vote and were considered as second citizens.
They had no right to be soldiers.
Things have changed and gender equality is being reflected in our words, reflections and things for which we stand.
It is 2016.

Guy L. Poppe
Aurora