As a 21 year Veteran of the US Armed Forces, an ordained female minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the nobel descendant of former African slaves, I AM humbled and honored to sing this great National hymn at the 2012 Washington DC National Memorial Day Parade. I honor Rev Samuel Francis Smith for his obedience to the Holy Spirit's voice when he was lead to pen an anthem to glorify Father God our King and his gracious gift to us called "freedom"! I will ensure to play my role on Monday as I let my voice echo this cry through the atmosphere for all who have an ear to hear for the glory of God in the mighty name of Jesus. I AM Minister Lady Pleshette Denise Greggs, SFC US Army