07-19-24 Interview - Mary Millben Actress on singing the national anthem at the RNC

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
You know, part of the RepublicanNational Convention is is the patriotism, it's
the love of country. It isthe raw raw America. And nobody exemplifies
that better than Mary Melbourne, noone. I had the opportunity to meet
you at the Steamboat Institute watch yousing the national anthem, which America will
see you sing the national anthem tomorrownight, and you know we always talk.

(00:23):
Unfortunately, there was an unfortunate incidentat the Major League All Star Game.
I didn't see it. I've receivedlots of videos and and let me
say, you know, first ofall, it's a very First of all,
it's good to see you. Secondof all, it's a very tough
song to sing, and it's it'sa song that everybody in the world knows.

(00:46):
So when you when you prepare forthose moments. I can understand a
lot of artists sing the anthem andand maybe not as often, but my
heart goes out to that uh,that artist and give a little grace.
You know, it sounds like itwas a tough night, but always give
a little grace. One of thethings that makes you stand out as an

(01:08):
artist who sings the Star Spangled Banneris that You don't just sing it,
you feel it, and it showswhen you sing the National Anthem. And
it's one of those things where Ididn't really think much about the anthem until
I saw a video that explained theorigins of the anthem and the meaning of
the words in the song. Youbring that to life, and I cannot

(01:30):
wait for America to see because whenyou sing it, it is the most
moving thing I have ever seen.Well, the national anthem moment. It
is our moment of unity in thecountry when we all gather together, whether
it's in a stadium or a roomor what will be tonight or tonight and
tomorrow for the convention. There areno differences. We're not Republicans or Democrats
or independence We're just Americans, Americansfirst, and I feel that the anthem

(01:51):
moment is one of the most importantmoments we need today in our country,
where we stop and we're reminded ofour DNA as children of God, because
we are one nation under God,and we're reminded of our DNA as Americans.
And I feel that it's one thingI certainly value about President Trump.
I've been singing for President Trump nowalmost ten years, starting back at the

(02:13):
twenty sixteen inauguration to date, AndI tell you he values our anthem moment,
He values our patriotic songs because heknows what he knows what the anthem
moment means, and he knows whatthose patriotic songs do for our hearts and
our souls. And so I'm gratefulfor the opportunity tomorrow to bring the anthem
before he speaks, and certainly gratefulfor the opportunity to be here at such

(02:37):
an important time in our country.When did the anthem start meaning to you
what it obviously means when you singit? Sure well, you know,
I'm originally from Oklahoma. I'm asmall town girl from Oklahoma. So it
was in Oklahoma, which we callthe heartland of America, Oklahoma. My
roots there in the Midwest, andmy roots as a preacher's daughter really honed

(02:59):
in the importance of American patriotism andcertainly the national anthem moment. That's where
I really learned the value is inthe Midwest where you'll see patriotism at its
height, and that's where the valuefor the anthem and love of country really
started. Little did I know thatit was going to turn into a profession

(03:20):
of singing the national anthem now forfour consecutive presidents and all over the world,
and I'm grateful for that. Ithank God for those opportunities. But
I just feel like it is theone moment where we are all unified,
which is what we need today,we really do. And I think that
has started, certainly a reset ofunderstanding who we are as Americans during seasons

(03:45):
like a democratic process that we arefacing now. And if there's ever a
time where we need unity, itreally is now. And so I hope
to bring in first the presence ofGod tomorrow, but I hope to contribute
to that moment of unity tomorrow priorto the President speaking. Well, I
am looking forward to it. I'vehad the great pleasure of watching you sing

(04:08):
it before, so I can't waitto see you knock the doors off of
five Serf Forum tomorrow. Oh.I will say a prayer for you,
but I don't think you need it. I think God already blessed you with
the voice you need to sing this. Mary milburnh thank you so much for
your time. Thanks hav It's greatto see you. Dear