Page "America the Beautiful" Paragraph 9

At various times in the more than 100 years that have elapsed since the song was written, particularly during the John F. Kennedy administration, there have been efforts to give " America the Beautiful " legal status either as a national hymn, or as a national anthem equal to, or in place of, " The Star-Spangled Banner ", but so far this has not succeeded.

Proponents prefer " America the Beautiful " for various reasons, saying it is easier to sing, more melodic, and more adaptable to new orchestrations while still remaining as easily recognizable as " The Star-Spangled Banner.

" Some prefer " America the Beautiful " over " The Star-Spangled Banner " due to the latter's war-oriented imagery.

Others prefer " The Star-Spangled Banner " for the same reason.

While that national dichotomy has stymied any effort at changing the tradition of the national anthem, " America the Beautiful " continues to be held in high esteem by a large number of Americans.