New York Yankees standout Aaron Judge recently shared the personal importance he attaches to performing “God Bless America” during games, a tradition deeply embedded at Yankee Stadium, especially since the tragic events of 9/11.
In a sincere interview, Aaron Judge conveyed that singing the anthem is a heartfelt tribute to the veterans who are often honored on the field. He expressed profound respect for these individuals, some in their 70s and 90s, who bravely served their country. Learning about their sacrifices and viewing their photos fills him with admiration.
Aaron Judge describes his passion for singing nation’s anthem
Aaron Judge actively encourages fans to join him and his teammates in this patriotic act, emphasizing that their collective display of patriotism is apolitical. He draws inspiration from the contributions of WWII veterans and underscores the significance of their sacrifices.
As Aaron Judge shared, “Every time I see a soldier or Marine or sailor – or a policeman or firefighter – I say, ‘Thank you.’ I can’t thank them all, so I do it by singing,”
For Aaron Judge, singing the song serves as a personal expression of thanks to these heroes for their dedicated service. While he individually expresses gratitude to soldiers, marines, sailors, police officers, and firefighters, singing allows him to extend this appreciation to a broader audience.
The Yankees had previously featured Kate Smith’s 1939 rendition of the song, but due to the discovery of racist lyrics in her past work, it was replaced with the version sung by Robert Merrill.
Despite the Yankees’ championship drought since 2009, Aaron Judge is determined to lead the team’s resurgence. Manager Aaron Boone recently confirmed Judge’s transition to center field during spring training, marking a strategic shift for the upcoming season.
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