Photo By Jerry Hewitt | Tech. Sgt. Hanna Smith, 104th Maintenance Squadron F-15 Eagle fuel system specialist,...... read more read more
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BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Massachusetts – Tech. Sgt. Hanna Smith, 104th Maintenance Squadron F-15 Eagle fuel system specialist, performed the Star-Spangled Banner at the AHL hockey team Springfield Thunderbirds’ military appreciation night on February 24, 2024, in Springfield, Massachusetts.
This event marked Smith’s third time performing the national anthem in front of an audience. Her first performance of the national anthem was at the Springfield Thunderbirds second annual military appreciation night in 2023. When asked about her performance, Smith discussed her long-time passion for singing as a means of expression.
“I’ve always loved to sing ever since I was a little girl,” said Smith. “My parents realized I had a passion for singing from a young age and even got me a karaoke machine for my birthday when I was just 5 or 6 years old, and it just continued from there as a hobby of mine. Singing has always been a great outlet for me to express myself.”
Through singing the Star-Spangled Banner, Smith is able to combine her passion for singing with her commitment to service in the Air National Guard.
“When you raise your right hand during your Oath of Enlistment, you swear to protect and defend this nation with everything you have,” said Smith. “The national anthem serves as a reminder that freedom isn’t free, it’s paid for with the sacrifices of the men and women in our military and must be fought for.”
Smith further explained her motivation to perform the national anthem through describing the opportunity to take part in this long-standing tradition.
“Being able to sing the national anthem, especially on military appreciation night, allows me to pay homage to the sacrifices of those that came before me, those who I serve with, and those who will come after me,” said Smith. “It reminds us of who we are as a nation, where we come from, and what we stand for.”
For future performances, Smith stated that she would one day love the opportunity to perform the national anthem at a major-league sporting event, such as a Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, or New England Patriots game.
National Anthem Day is celebrated on March 3rd of each year to honor the country and recognize those who fought for our freedom. The Star-Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 and was adopted by Congress as the U.S. national anthem in 1931.
| Date Taken: | 02.24.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 02.29.2024 13:56 |
| Story ID: | 464863 |
| Location: | SPRINGFIELD, MA, US |
| Web Views: | 177 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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