Patriotic Performance Steals Show at LA Kings Game
A stirring rendition of the US national anthem, performed by a group of senior citizens from the Korea-Town Senior & Community Center, has captured the hearts of hockey fans and non-fans alike. The Harmonica Class, as they are known, took to the ice at the LA Kings’ home game on a sleepy Monday night, and delivered a breathtaking performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that sent shivers down the spines of all in attendance.
According to eyewitnesses, the crowd was initially unaware of what to expect when the jumbotron flashed a macro image of the Harmonica Class. However, as the group began to play, the entire building joined in, singing the iconic lyrics in unison. The electric atmosphere was palpable, with many in attendance visibly moved to tears. As one observer noted, "Straight chills when the entire building picked up the vocal duties and sang in unison. God Bless America!"
The Harmonica Class’s performance was all the more poignant given that it took place on Patriots Day, a day set aside to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. As the Barstool Sports blog reported, the group’s rendition of the national anthem was "absolutely beautiful" and embodied the very spirit of America.
The lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner" itself have a rich history, dating back to the War of 1812. According to historical records, the poem "Defence of Fort M’Henry" was written by American lawyer Francis Scott Key on September 14, 1814, after he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy during the Battle of Baltimore. Key was inspired by the large U.S. flag, with 15 stars and 15 stripes, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, flying triumphantly above the fort after the battle.
As Barstool Sports noted, the energy and tension of a playoff NHL game is hard to match, with every puck drop, line change, and penalty feeling like life or death. The blog described the experience of watching a game like this, with a stirring national anthem performance, as "incomparable" and "raised up ten notches" above regular season games.
The LA Kings may have been the hosts of the game, but it was the Harmonica Class who truly stole the show. As Barstool Sports reported, the performance was so moving that it may have even made the Kings heavy favorites to win the Cup. While it’s impossible to predict the outcome of a game, one thing is certain: the Harmonica Class’s performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" will be remembered for a long time to come.
