Happy Fourth Of July?……………………..not for some it wasn’t.
Last night before the show the lights were dimmed, the curtain came up and the orchestra played The Star Spangled Banner……………everyone stood…………most sang…………..and I wished everyone a happy fourth of July.
The this morning I received the above letter.
I have just spent the last ten minutes listening to an American tell me how much she hates America and how upset she was at me for playing the anthem………….her anthem.
She seems to be of the opinion that America is consistently alienating itself through its foreign policy and to have played that tune was disrespectful. I explained that it was tradition and that even as someone on the losing side of the war of independence that I took no offence in the playing of the son…………..this made her even madder and she then launched a triad of abase about the UK saying that we were hanging on the ” coat tails ” of the US Government.
I tried then to tell her that the ship was not a place for political debate but a place for fun and………………………….she hung up on me.
I called back immediately but she refused to answer the phone. This has left me doing what I do best………….second guessing myself…………..should I have played the National Anthem?……………….Were there as she said hordes of guests ready to hang me from the yard arm……………….Well, apparently not as I just finished walking around the Promenade during the Elegant Night parties and apart from one man who said it was too cold in his cabin everyone seemed happy and excited to be here and nobody wanted to hit me over the head with a hammer for daring to play the Star Spangled Banner.
I mean, wether she agreed with the politics of today or not I was surprised at her total distain towards the flag of her own country. She told me that she was scared to say she was American these days and the fact that I had openly played her countries anthem seemed to fill her with fear and rage.
Strangely, however, my biggest fear for the future of the world is………………… YouTube.
At present it is full, mostly, of young men falling off their bicycles and catching fire. But in addition to this you can log on if you wish to see the first new episode of 24 since thw writers strike.
This means the producers of 24 have gone to all the trouble of making a show, and paying the actors, and getting all those phones to go “beep beep eeoooh” and then finding that no television company in the world is all that bothered about screening it, because everyone’s seen it already on the web.
Naturally the company that makes 24 has started proceedings against YouTube.
Fine, you might think. YouTube will be forced to treat the copyright laws with a bit more respect but of course even if they do take it off it will immediately appear on another video sharing site based in Bombay.
This morning there are lots of John Heald clips on YouTube, and someone from the shipyard who was supposed to be laying carpet in the theatre instead snuck a camera in there and filmed segments of our new show and slapped it on for all to see
The upshot is that films, television shows, magazines, newspapers, songs, anything published or recorded, can be put on the internet. And the person who published it or recorded it doesn’t get any money. So what’s the point of publishing or recording anything?
At present, everyone is obsessed with the Internet. Every large media company in the world is investing millions in their websites and they are smart to do so. Some though seem to make no money whatsoever.
A prime example is iTunes. It doesn’t. Apparently Apple doesn’t make a penny from the music you download to your computer. But if you want to put that onto a portable device you have to buy an iPod, and they make zillions from that.
And it’s not just the media that are under threat. Why go to a doctor when you can see whats wrong with you by typing in your symptoms to www.itsjustacold.com
Why worry about meeting trawling the single clubs and bars desperate to meet that special person when you can get meet Zelda from Lativa on www.ofcourseiloveyouandnotjustforthegreencard.com
Why buy an encyclopedia when there’s Wikipedia (apart from the fact that everything on Wikipedia is wrong)?
One day, of course, everything and everyone will be replaced. The world will wake up and realise it’s unemployed; that we’ve all been terminated by machines. And please don’t try to argue that men will always triumph over machinery because we can always turn it off. Because that’s the thing with the Internet. You can’t.
Today, I spoke to an old friend from the blog ” Bill – Zydecocruiser”………………I am sure you will have seen his name many a time in the comments section and we chatted about the blog and life at sea. he is a great chap and like everyone onboard he is looking forward to sailing through the straights of Gibraltar tonight. This will happen around 7:30pm. Hopefully most guests on our main sitting will have finished munching on their steaks and lobsters and will be able to come out and see the rock of Gibraltar………………..I myself have only seen “the rock” in the dark a few years agoi but hopefully visibility will be good enough tonight…………..I will let you know.
Here are today’s random photos taken this time by Entertainment Staff member Lauren.
I have to admit that I felt a little frustrated this morning even before I met with Mrs. Not Proud To Be An American. I had started my first ever morning show here on the Carnival Splendor and after ten minutes it transpired that we were having major difficulties. I was told that the audio was terrible and instead of my usual placid tones I in fact sounded like Donald bloody Duck………………and ……………to make matters worse…………….the synchronization from sound to picture was about three seconds out which meant I looked like I was in the middle of a bad Japanese monster movie. Joking aside though, I was very frustrated at this. It’s nobody’s fault but I just expect everything to be perfect all the time. Somebody said ” its the first cruise, you should expect these things and laugh them off.”………..maybe…………but the guests here on the ship this week deserve the same high standards that those who will sail with us next week and beyond will enjoy.
Tonight though, the mood is great and I had many a compliment and many a photo taken.
On the domestic front all is well…………..oh…………..except I was forced to empty out my trunk of crap. This is a trunk that has followed me from ship to ship and as you can guess from my previous description.,…………its full of what heidi calls…………..crap.
There are indeed one or two things that are ……ummmmmmm…..well………….strange.
There’s the Sicilian shepherd with the melted face, the endless array T shirts, a particularly horrible snow shaker,North and South series one and two on VHS, a coffee table size book about cigars and a Jesus on a rope. …………………………..E bay here I come.
I am slowly trying to get the blog back to how it used to be and we can add a little more to that recipe with the welcome return of the ” In Their Own Words Section.”. For those who are not familiar with this let me explain. When my Morning Shows are running normally and not looking like The Return of Godzilla I invite guests to write in with dedications, messages of love and as we saw with the first letter…………suggestions and comments. I will share one or two with you each day so you can see for yourself some of the things people write.
Here are a few from today.
Just before the show tonight I introduced the Captain and Senior Officers. However, there was one more officer I had to introduce ……….Lt.Col. McMillan. U.S.Army. The Colnel had flown in direct from Iraq and has just two weeks to spend with his daughter Mary and wife Katie. I know this because Katie wrote me a letter………………so……………….here is what happened when Mary showed Dad how proud she was of him…………………oh ……………and so did many others………….Proud To Be An American ?………………………….you bet they were!
See for yourself
Video coming soon…
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and the McMillan family.
Filed under: Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel
dude! there always seems to be one… sorry. i am VERY proud to be an american and would have loved to hear it myself… just sayin’.
relax. don’t sweat the small stuff. breath in. breath out…. there. feel better?
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Thanks John for sticking up for us (US). The unamerican lady is fortunately a minority of one. I sure would love to see the ROCK too. Best to you and Heidi.
Tell the “embarrassed” american that she can go get bent!!! She can also pick any other country to live in, try IRAQ, North Korea, China, Iran. DON’T COME BACK!!!!
john I thank you and my dad thanks you for playing The Star Spangled Banner……………you did the right thing. If it wasnt for freedom she would never been on the Splendor, you did the right thing.
robert
John:
I hate to break little Johnathan’s heart…but true Karate Senseis will not even allow a person to “test” for their first Black Belt until they are 16.
Anything else is called “selling a belt” which is like “buying a college diploma from a diploma factory”. Unfortunately, it is very popular in today’s world of “easy fame”.
I am sure Chuck Norris’s instructor is a very fine fellow…but it sounds like he is a “commercial karate peddler” as opposed to a true Sensei like ours, Sensei Mikami.
The Chief Instructor of ASKF is Sensei Takayuki Mikami, 8th dan black belt (JKA hachi dan), who founded the federation in 1965. Mr. Mikami, a native of Japan, was the first certified instructor sent overseas by the Japan Karate Association (JKA). He was the All-Japan Kumite (free fighting) champion twice and three time All-Japan Kata (forms) champion.
When you finish your first test for your Black Belt with Sensei Mikami, there are very few parts of your body that is not bleeding freely. (including the bottom of your feet which has several layers of skin completely gone).
As for “little Ms. I hate America”… I only have one word….LEAVE!!! Of course, she won’t …
Keep playing that Star Spangled Banner. If I am blessed to be selected for the Talent Show in Sept. on the Ecstasy…I will be singing Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA”!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Hi John,
Wow is about all I can say about the complaint of playing the Star Spangled Banner. I definitly do not agree with most of the policies of the current administration, BUT, I AM STILL PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! I see absolutely no reason that we shouldn’t love America even though we occasionally get leaders we aren’t too proud of. Our system is called Democracy. Our citizens voted & we got the person that the majority wanted. We vote again this November & again we will have a president elected by the majority of the people. Many brave men & women have died & continue to die to protect democracy. The least we can do is to love our country.
I think you did the right thing playing the national anthem. If she is ashamed to be an American then maybe she should find another country to live in. Keep up the great work.
John, you did no wrong. Thank you for playing our National Anthem. I want to apologize for this womans attitude and everything she said. I wish you could drop her in Cuba and leave her. I wish I was there so I could look her in the eye and say
“Climb this and then take a flying leap.”
Carolyn Very proud to be an American
Well, Mrs. X – If you are embarrassed to be called an American, why not go back to wherever it is your ancestors came from and find out what it truly means to be an American, Freedom! Freedom of choice, and Freedom of Speech. Then maybe you will apologize to John Heald an Englishman who is proud to be the CD on a cruise ship that sees hundreds of Americans each week, and makes their cruise experience something to remember. You I am afraid will only remember the hatred you have in your heart! You are a miserable human being- and I for one am NOT proud to call you an American! Don’t come back to the U.S. if you feel so adamant about your feelings. Proud to be an American ALWAYS, Linda
John – Great to hear that you played the Star Spangled Banner on our Independence Day. Thank you!!!
John,
Please don’t stop playing the national anthem on the fourth of July. In fact…I would like to thank you soooo much for playing it! I am sorry you had that complaint from Mrs. I hate my country.
Don’t second guess yourself; you go out of your way for anybody and everybody. You didn’t win the best cruise director because you second guessed yourself and changed things!
Now…I would give anything to see the video of you looking like a bad Japanese and to hear you sound like Donald Duck!!! I promise if you post it on here I won’t put it on YouTube!! hehe (fingers are crossed)
Princess Sussan
ps…thanks Lauren for the great pictures!!!
Hi Stephanie!!
Good evening Mr. Heald. I’m proud to be a Canadian to say that my friends can be proud to be an American where you have two countries that are very free. That American woman unfortunately is not proud of her country. Yes, there are probably people that don’t like the U.S. but who gives a damn. ALWAYS show pride in your country. It’s all that you have. I’m proud to say that you my friend is one of the greatest individuals who stand for everyone. I wish I was onboard the Splendor right now to stand right next you. You, my friend is a staunch, proud, strong and caring man and I’m very happy to know you. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hey John,
sigh…I know it takes all kids to make up this world, but why do so many ‘mrs. complainers’ get the “voice” for the rest of us that are proud to be americans?
Keep up the blogs as they are great. Love you.
Jan
Yay! I love the “in their own words” section. What a proud Grandpa and what a hard working young man.
I’m also happy that things are starting to fall into a pattern for you even if you are living in a badly dubbed film at times – lol.
If you see Bill again please tell him hello and a big thanks for all the pictures. Between Heidi, the entertainment staff and Bill, I feel like I have seen the entire ship. I do hope you’ll post a pic of the rock of Gibraltar…how exciting.
Thanks,
Dawn (who in 8 days will be on the Splendor)
Stats are from your blog on July 3.
3290 total guest
2130 are Americans
You had an easy decision and that was to acknowledge our independence and your loss.
John, pick yourself up and carry on. You did the right thing.
John,
I guess the lady who was frightened by the playing of the US National Anthem has many other problems in her closet. I am very proud of the USA and wish I could say the same for our President but alas he is a poor example. I hope she realizes what the USA means to the world and we keep going to help others even when it means we individually pay more and suffer from loss of young men and womens lives serving in the armed services to protect us all .
Please do not let this deter you from your duties of making MOST people happy. I would be a proud American and welcome hearing your wonderful orchestra play our National Anthem anytime. How about playing it over the ships system everytime you leave a US Port.
Thanks for honoring the US by playing it on our countries 232nd birthday, July 4, 2008.
BRAVO ZULU
Dave Myerly
John,
You keep following your heart my friend, you can tell mrs. that she can take a flying leap fro the rail of the lido deck.
I comes to our minds that in an earlier blog on the day when Carnival took delivery officially you made a note that one of the things that took place was that the Italian flag was taken down and replaced with the american flag.
seems to us that mrs. has been watching way to much CNN and that the poor lady has been scared to the point of paranoia.
And to direct her wrath at you,,,,,,well she was and is wrong.
One of the great things granted to all americans by our constitution is the FREEDOM OF SPEACH, and unfortunatley for you, you were ground zero for her attack.
We as, your friends and as an americian thank you for recognizing our national holiday.
As a matter of fact we would like to use our constitutional rights to tell Mrs. to “BUGGER OFF”
You keep being you and doing what you do. You are the best at what you do and to all who truley know you, we know that you care and respect all of your passengers.
take care and smooth sailing my friend.
Cindy and Bill
ps. If you recall back to march the 5th 2008 on the Freedom and Just leaving Grand Cayman you did the daily show and read a letter from a woman who though that you should step down complaning that because of Mr.Bells visit she could not understand you and was very upset over this. remember that the first call you took was from Cindy and if ya can recall she exercised her constitutional rights and told that mis guided passenger to “bugger off” as well, hell she even bought a tear to your one good eye.
Folks need to understand that any person who showes that much dedication and love of his passengers is not to be chastized but commended. Having sailed on 4 cruises with you my friend all we can say is that if BIG John is the CD, we book immediatley.
again thany you for remembering and recognizing our national holiday.
John, I thank my good fortune everyday that I was born in America. I will always be greatful that I was born a free person in a free country. In our travels have have met many people who weren’t so lucky. There have many times that when I stepped back on American soil I wanted to kiss the ground in gratitude.
Drop Mrs. Unamerican off in Russia. You were right to play the Star Bangled Banner.
Jo
Keep on playing the Star Spangled Banner and whatever countries anthem you want. Is she is embarrassed or doesn’t like living in the USA there are plenty of other countries in the world. I wouldn’t mind if you played other countries anthems on an appropriate day.
If anyone wants to keep up with the Carnival Splendor at least a couple of cruises go here http://www.zydecocruiser.com/splendor/splendor_pre_map.htm. Information on ports of call and plenty of photos. Wish I could be along for the ride.
We are very proud to be Americans and after watching many patriotic tributes on television last night feel even more so. Anyone who takes the time to pay tribute to someone else should be thanked, not chastised, certainly not from a person living in America. Next thing she won’t want is to hear the different anthems representing the different armed services. I guess she does not watch the Olympics because they play a tribute to the country of each of the victors in each venue. Wow! As a very patriotic American I salute you for your tribute to our holiday and wish you and Heidi a great summer. See you on August 18 in London! Hopefully the kinks will have been worked out by then and everyone can enjoy your shows “live” or on TV.
Love,
Barb and Joe Dombrowski
John,
I have a good idea for the lady ?? that did not want you to play our anthem.
Why don’t we all take a collection up for a plane ticket for her to Somalia. That sounds like a place she deserves to live in.
Even with all our faults, I am proud to be an American.
John,
Even though I am Canadian I would have been proud to be part of the audience when you played the anthem. I get goosebumps when I see an American flag flying proudly . If that guest did not approve she should have left the theatre .
It seems like you made a lot of people proud and happy, as you always do!
So much looking forward to meeting you on July 13! Keep up the great work!
Dear John
The Big Kahuna here. I have an enlightenment for Mrs. X here……”She knows not about which she speaks” She is plaguarizing something that she has heard from someone else. America is not as hated as she would have lead you to believe. For the last 200+ years its been American Navy , augmented by the British Royal Navy that has kept the sea lanes of this world open so that and allowed this $#%$**** person to be allowed to sail across foreign seas as is upon the Splendor. If she is NOT WILLING to pay a small tribute to the men and women who have died for her country and who have shed their blood , or sacrificed their lives for keeping her country free by listening to the anthem, I am sure their are other countries to go live in. I am sure Fatima could use an assitant / or customer in the Turkish baths.
Ok I’m getting off my Soapbox now
Arnold Tucker
USN Ret 22 Years
Tell that woman she can get the hell out of america if she hates it so much good ridance to bad rubish. She should be ashamed of hating her own country. Keep playing the U.S. national anthem don’t let those traitors get you down.
John,
You did no wrong, so please do not second guess yourself. Thank you for playing our National Anthem.
John,
Thank you for holding with tradition, I am sure the Americans aboard appreciated your playing our National Anthem. I am sure you had many who have defended our freedom, including Mrs. X’s right to speak. She, however, does not deserve to call herself American and should certainly look to one of those countries who are so offended by us for domicile.
Agreeing with Linda (DJ’s Mom) – Johnathan is probably a fine martial artist, a prodigy even, but attaining the mastery level of black belt in 4 different arts in 10 years does not speak well of his instructors. Black Belt at 8 years old doesn’t cut it.
Six days and a wake up –
See you soon,
Mrs. Martin – the English Teacher, and
Black Belt in MMA, former school owner and instructor as well as instructor T’ai Chi Chu’an
(along with Marvelous Mr. Martin, and Perfect Sgt. Patrick Martin – 82nd Airborne)
Dear John I thank you for honoring our country.You should not feel bad for what was in your heart.I always say the good lord couldn’t please every one so I know I can’t. Do the best you know how and let the rest go by. Best wishes Gary and Bug p.s. If traveling close to France give the un American a gentle shove off the ship. She shan’t be missed.
John,
I have notified Homeland security about Mrs. X I hope she enjoys her full body cavity search and 36 hours in a small metal box in the Arizona desert with Pepi the Fresh national as a roommate. Please don’t speak for me or my thoughts Mrs. X, if you dislike us so much please feel free to move to France. Loved the blog today john nice to see the old format starting to return, of could I know many of us await the Q & A to return as that bit is always so funny. Oh and John if you were a red coat and I was a rebel I wouldn’t shoot you unless you happen to smell like Mrs. X’s new roommate is going to Hi Pepi. Ok thats not even possible for you to smell that much, so Tea and a cigar with a brit sounds good to me. I would like to request that the band play the following songs at the next show Yankee Doodle Dandy, My country tis of the, and the opening score to Oklahoma. Also please serve her Baked Alaska for dessert. proud to be a American and proud to be a 9/11 survivor never forget. oh and Mrs. X please remember if you don’t like it here get the ***@#*& @)#&^^!@ *&)@#(^*%* out.
Ok enough of that wow that kid sounds like he might be the next tiger woods of karate. Maybe he should be BIG MIKE’S assistant Security chief in charge of Camp Carnival and the arcade. Nice to hear you and Bill got together I know he has been very excited and posting pictures on his website daily. Looks like everyone is having fun, hope you and Heidi are also.
Kevin
PS Please feel free to print out all the copies of the comments for Mrs. X she’ll need something to read in either gitmo or the arizona desert I hear it hit 125 there today. Hope she brought sunscreen.
As a Brit, if I had been on Splendor and the Star Spangled Banner wasn’t played on independance day then I would have been the first to complain.
Hi John,
Can you supply answers for any of the following? I am actually receiving feedback on my Splendor website:
“Jspirit from July 13 here. Thanks so much for this site! Amazing! Glad you are having a ball.
How can we get a request in to be seated in Ken Byrne’s din9ng room ( early)? Any suggestions?Also, will purser change euro trav. ch. into euro cash for no fee? Don’t mean to give you homework, but if you know , please email me . ”
A comment I received from Joan:
“Hi Bill:
I wanted to thank you for your terrific posting on the Splendor. Of course I went right to the menus!
I have been having a great deal of trouble posting to John’s blog and unfortunately I am a computer-illiterate.
I keep on getting messages that refer to error HTTP 405 which says method not allowed-or-site has a program error. Also, that website is under maintenance.
I just wanted to wish you, John and fellow cruisers a (now belated) Bon Voyage. I am truly looking forward to sailing on the Splendor on the January ‘09 cruise to South America. I am enjoying your posts immensely. Thanks again!”
Thanks!
bill
John,
As I said before, I am having a little trouble getting my old computer to crank up the blog. I am not,however, having trouble keeping up with how long it is until we board the Splendor! It is 7 days!
Yippee! I can hardly wait.
About the National Anthem, I see nothing wrong with that. The passenger was simply bitter about heaven knows what! You can not please some people!
Looking forward to seeing you .
Ruth
You must have a holluwood star on your ship!
John,
Independence Day gave the woman the right to say she doesn’t like her country. It was nice of you to play our national anthem in honor of those who fought for and are still fighting for that freedom. She can move to another country if she doesn’t like America, no one is forcing her to stay.
Keep up the good work.
Say hi to Heidi.
Charlotte
John, Thanks for playing the US National Anthem,
Looks like the lady is following the footsteps of somebody else that went a roundabout way of saying the same thing. The old saying “LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT”.
Thanks
That woman is a one who should leave our country and find a place that suits her. We can certainly do without her and her crazy ideas in the USA. Thank you for playing our anthem on our Independence Day. You did the right thing so don’t even try to justify it to such a very unhappy person. Jeri
My family came from Italy and I am the first born american on my father’s side. I love my country and I am grateful that they indured hardships for my whole family to have a better life. My grandmother told me how it was on those ships that took them here.
I think the woman who “freaked out” is just plain paranoid and probably should have stayed home. Seems she has a fear of travel.
My 2 cents…
Ciao, Kathleen
Hi John…there is never a dull moment in your job! Thanks for playing the anthem.
Diane
Thank you John for playing the anthem on the 4th of July, and I apologize for someone so full of “fear” that she can’t even enjoy her vacation. Maybe she is the same lady who thought the next port of call was St. Petersburg?
Proud to be American,
Proud of my husband who served the U.S. for 30 years,
Proud to be so fortunate to be sailing with you from Dover to Rome,
and Proud to have the opportunity to experience other grand cities of the world on this cruise,
Your fan,
Karen
John,
I would have been very proud to hear the Star Spangled Banner and thank you for playing it for all the proud Americans. It is such a shame that people have to voice their opinion all the time. She could have just said her peace and let it go. I hope that you raise you head and know that you did nothing wrong and would do it all over again.
Thanks for another great blog and keep those wonderful pictures coming.
Hello to Heidi and blessings for a wonderful rest of the cruise to you both!
Cindy & Kevin
Let me put some perspective on this so I understand:
- 3290 guest onboard currently (according to here:http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/07/03/yachts-monte-carlo-and-the-first-brilliant-comment/#more-3979);
- 1160 of which are “foreign nationals” (eg: not from the U.S.);
- 2130 which would be American by simple mathematics of the above;
- 1 disgruntled and ashamed citizen of the United States of America (avoiding calling her an American…) speaking for “many,” which is more than likely her harangued family/friends on the trip that just agree with her to shut her up so they can go back to having fun.
That’s a 1:2129 ratio, so I wouldn’t sweat it. We all know you want EVERYONE to have a great time and, honestly, to like you, John. But some people just can’t be pleased, some live in abject paranoia because of their oversensitivity to what the media is cramming into our heads about “how bad Americans are; how there are millions of oppressed people worldwide that want to cause our downfall; how we asa country are not welcome outside our borders.”
Sorry, spent 14 years living in Germany with the US Army and never once did I ever feel unwelcome, unappreciated or disliked. But then I’m also very respectful of those who are hosting us and of their laws and customs. “When in Rome…” and all that.
If the lady felt ashamed, maybe she should explore WHY she feels thus, when it’s obvious that no one else onboard does. And I’m sorry, but you can only speak for yourself unless “many” where there with her to present the letter that got directed to you. That’s the obvious tell of an insecure, self-centered person, proclaiming others agree with them without a lick of proof.
John, you did good. Thank you for honoring the U.S. on her birthday. And “Remeber, remember the 5th of November”…
John,
I am as you not a citzen of the US. I always do respect my own as well as other countries national anthems. you have been very right playing the US national anthem on this occasion. But: the US does call itself a free country and beeing proud of free speach. There are already so many comments on this blog telling me is this really true??? . Let this Lady believe whatever she wants to, even leaving here home, which she did not choose to do. I am surpised so many comments beeing so
intolerant.
see you on TA
yours Ralf
Dear John & Heidi….
I did not sleep well last night after reading the letter you received from Ms. Whatever about the playing of my National Anthem. During a different part of my life I was in the U.S. Marine Corps for ten years. I did not develop our policies but was one of the folks that was asked to enforce them! I must admit I had the greatest job in the service. I worked for the American Forces Radio and Television Service. So I wasn’t out there with the true brave souls on the front lines. Being in the service I was also privileged to see other cultures and how other people live. Since then Susan and I have traveled the world and once again that has enabled us to experience life. Having done all that….I, probably like you, would chose to live in my home country. I remember standing in full uniform saluting our flag and hearing OUR song. It sometime would bring tears to my eyes as I remembered the folks that have sacrificed the ultimate for Ms. whatshername to be able to express her opinion openly without reprisal.
I am sure that Ms. Whoseit is one of those folks that believes that if she had only been able to talk to Hitler before he invaded Poland she could have talked him out of it. If she had only been able to speak with those animals that flew the planes into the World Trade Center….she could have talked them out of it. People like her are very naive. Both parties would have killed her and hung her out for other to see. Why….she expressed an opposing opinion.
I would like to know how many people of towns she has visited on this cruise where residents have come up and told her how much they hate America. As you know Susan and I just spent time in Rome and then on the Carnival Freedom. We were off the ship in each port and did not receive one comment about where we were from. For her info….both France and Germany have now elected heads of state that are not quite as dishonest as the last. Those heads of state were elected by the people of those countries. They were not crowned. Could it be that the majority in those countries didn’t like the fact that their governments opposed the U. S. at every turn. Not for moral reasons but for monetary gain? No matter what party is currently in office it matters not to me. If the call came, even at 56, I would serve. Others…..would wither!!! Oh well, I am sure that she will return home…..take her N.Y. Times and once again return to her hideaway. OK….I’ve had my say….and now I’ll finish by saying that I am ashamed of her!!!!!!!!
John & Susan from Frisco, Tx.
I have to laugh at all who posted “love it or leave it” sentiments re. the lady unhappy with the national anthem. As an America, it is her right to think different. That’s the point of the USA. Duh.
As to anthems in general, John. I think it would be brilliant to play the national anthem for other countries who have passengers on your ship on their big national holidays. You might actually be doing something to foster greater international understanding. Don’t know the holidays or anthems? Just google them up. Then download the music (I feel confident you can find on copyright versions).
Personally I think you should have taken a firecracker and stuck it up the end of Mrs. Whatshername that doesn’t see sunshine.
Even YOU, John, would have not objected to Le Marseilles played on a cruise of Frenchmen on one of their holidays.
With that said, I’m off to watch 24 on You Tube…
Hi John,
Thanks for playing the National Anthem on the birthday of our
(US) nation I’m sure most American on-board were very proud
and thankful to you and the staff for the reorganization.
I was on-board Carnival Freedom last year with you on Memorial Day
when you took the time to recognize all veterans sailing on the cruise form
around the world who have served their individual countries. As a veteran
myself I found it a very nice gesture and I could tell it was from your heart
thank you for that.
Looking forward to sailing with you on the Splendor Sept 23
I’ll be sure to say hello.
TJ from PA
Hi John & Heidi, you my friend continue to put life in perspective here on the blog each day. Your opportunity to interact with so many people of different backgrounds from all around the world each and every cruise gives you unparalleled insight on the human race. As so many have said above here, it’s sad and disheartening how this passenger feels, but she is an extreme minority, keep the good, the bad and the ugly coming, it broadens my sense of others. Cheers, Ray & Deb
I am proud to be an American; God Bless the USA!
Dear John and Heidi,
Per my husband, tell Ms. Unamerican if she does not like the U.S.A, find a new home while she’s in Europe. As for me, make her walk the plank.
Thanks for playing our anthem. We love you guys.
Linda and George
Hello John,
Add this to your stck of Thank-you’s for honouring our country on it’s Birthday. It’s hard to believe that with all that our men & women in the armed forces have had to endure over the years and especially now, that someone would openly say they are afraid (or should I say embarassed) to admit that they are an American. This women obviously is not playing with a full deck! And you my dear friend, are an amazing man for dealing with this and every situation you encounter with tact, grace and finesse. You never seem to faulter, at least not openly when it counts.
I do hope you get to see the Rock this evening and get some good photos to share with us. It was so dark when Carl and I got our chance to see it, we really couldn’t see anything. But just knowing where, I was and the thought that it was a place I never dreamed I would be in this lifetime was exciting. (And that Mrs. AshamedtobeAmerican, is one of the perks of being a PROUD citizen of the USA!)
Thank-you again, for helping our fellow American travelers to celebrate our independence and for honouring our service men and women, once again!
Princess Barb…. Proud to be and American!
PS… I just saw Lee Greenwood in concert last weekend… His song “Proud to be an American” brought tears of joy and gratitude to the entire crowd! What a performance!
John!
Of course it is right to play the Anthem!! I’m with Squid, drop the lady off in France, or on the rock…or anywhere else she thinks she may be proud to be. TYVM…
Love to you all!
Eva
John, you absolutely did the right thing in playing the American anthem in celebration of our Independence Day. Ms UnAMERICAN can simply move if she is so unhappy. She has FREE choice, unlike some in other countries. I know you would only show respect for any country, well, except for the French…but they are just getting what they deserve! Bless their hearts. Hugs to you and Heidi.
Hi John & Heidi,
There’s ALWAYS one to complain about something… always….. unfortunately… Well, I hope she doesn’t bother you anymore, like Ms. Turtle Head did on the Freedom…… perhaps, she can be the first person to get thrown off the Splendor…… I’m sure many others will help you out…
I am proud to be American and I am happy that you had them play our national anthem. Thanks for the great photos, and I just saw Bill’s (zydecocruiser) page and his photos of the Splendor are brilliant as well! I look forward to seeing to good ol’ blogs soon.
Cheers,
Alex G.
Dear John and Heidi, Speaking as a Canadian, I want you to know that I would NOT be at all offended to listen to and stand up for the US anthem on July 4. I wouldn’t think twice about it and would be wishing my American cousins a very happy Independence Day! Some people should learn to ease up on the stress…that poor lady obviously needs a vacation more than most, but unfortunately she isn’t taking one! Wishing I were there with you….have fun on the Splendor…she looks marvelous! Gloria
John,
Don’t beat yourself over the playing of the U.S. National Anthem. I have come to accept that you cannot please everyone. I should listen to myself sometimes because I fall in that trap as well. Yes we all have some “governing” problems and some do or don’t care for current leaders, but get over it, make a difference and the next elections vote for someone else. And if America is so bad for this lady, she can find somewhere else to live it is a free country and no one is holding her back. The anthem is ours regardless who is running the country and it was a kind gesture and appropriate of you for the 4th of July festivity. So continue to have fun and sorry to hear about the minor problems with the ships PA system. The small “kinks” will eventually correct themselves. Say hello to Heidi.
Luis & Maria
Hey John,
I live in San Francisco, the place that the rest of the United States likes to attack because they don’t think we’re American enough (apparently we’re just so horrible that everyone wants to live here and drive up the cost of housing to London levels, but I digress). And if you see Miss Ashamed to Be An American again, you can tell her that someone with “San Francisco values” is ashamed to call her a fellow countryman.
Thank you for playing our National Anthem, and thank you for acknowledging our servicemen and women.
Regards,
Dan
Remember Easter on the Freedom in March? Someone complained because a passenger held mass? There will always be someone rocking the boat. That is where the real show is…America is wonderful and so is the rest of the world…if it weren’t for a few bad eggs!
You did the right thing.
Hi John,
You should be proud of yourself, the Splendor is a little piece of the USA floating around Europe, to help those on board celebrate their country’s day, it should be compulsory for all ships. My son is currently on the Spirit, working to become an ACD, I hope he made sure it was played. (he like you is British) Hope to see you on the Splendor 30/8/08.
Brian
Hi John,
Guess there’s another Linda and George on this blog. That could be confusing.
We are very proud to be Americans and although the “lady” has the right to say what she wants, we always have the right to ignore her.
We are at the airport now and waiting for our flight to London and we’ll be there Monday just after noon. I looked up the weather for London and it looks pretty lousy but we’ll have a good time anyway.
Linda & George
John, as a very proud American (go USA!!!), thank you for playing our anthem. There are now so many far-left America-hating loons in this country that it just boils the blood. I wish they’d leave if they hate it here so much. Thanks again, you’re the best, John!
John, Right on!
John, thank you for recognizing an important day for Americans. She can say what she wants; she’s an American. The reason she can say it is that others fought and died for that right. I thank my late father and father-in-law for their service.
Please, play the music from other countries on their holidays, serve buffet foods from other countries, and in those tiny ways acknowledge that people from all countries are together having fun on Carnival.
We sailed with you in July 2003, inaugual voyage of the Carnival Glory. Going out on her for the fifth time in September (seventh Carnival cruise) because of YOU and the terrific experience you gave us.
Hope to see you again in future.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
and that old bat can get the hell out if she so
unhappy.
I would buy the nasty old bat the ticket myself
laissez les temp rouller
tom & jane
Hi John/Heidi:
I think you were in the right by playing the National Anthem. You know that if you had not played it, then people would have been upset that you didn’t acknowledge the American holiday.
Once again, you’re on the losing end of a no-win battle.
How nice that the Col. was able to take a cruise to spend time with his family. I hope they all enjoy.
Great hearing from you today.
Keep in touch!
David
Don’t ever stop playing that song.
During my service in the UNITED STATES AIR FORCE, I had our national anthem played in my honor before I was awarded a medal.
So, you can say that the song is tops with the Sheriff!!!
Tell the old bat Delta is ready when she is!!
I’ve been reading for a long time, but this is my first post, so cut me some newbie slack, please.
I’m pretty surprised at the level of animosity toward the letter writer. Yes, she was an extreme example of folks who are disgusted with what’s going on in this country, but she has the RIGHT, as an American, to express those thoughts (I hate what you say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it). That’s the definition of freedom of speech and democracy. I don’t agree with her extreme position, but I must admit to being ashamed of some of the things this country has done in the last 7 years. I love my country, and because of that, try to impact those things that I don’t love about her, to make her better. That is my DUTY as an American – to participate in the democratic process either through voting or otherwise working for change. Now, because I try to make changes and disagree with current policy, does that mean I hate America and need to move to another country? I don’t believe that’s what our founding fathers intended – in fact, that’s why they fought for independence – they disagreed. So, before we make this poor, fearful, mistaken woman walk the plank beause she has an opinion that differs from yours, just think what the founding fathers would have thought about an individual’s right to dissent. And, BTW, I LOVE the National Anthem – cry whenever I hear it from pride – and am glad John played it on July 4th.
I wish that Mrs. Embarassed was born somewhere else (like in Russia or China) during deep communism and then had to work hard to get to America and try to become an American. Maybe then she would be a proud one after noticing the difference between totality & democracy & freedom…
I have to add my two cents in (even if they are late): I appreciate Carnival acknowledging my great country. Thank you for playing our national anthem. Oh, and if you get a chance to leave Mrs. X in port somewhere, feel free!!!
Lori