Is This The Best Version Of The National Anthem EVER? 10-Year Old Girl Fighting Cancer Delivers it With Poise
- Posted on July 29, 2011 at 9:59pm by
Mike Opelka
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Lily Anderson is just 10-yrs-old, but her rendition of the National Anthem before Thursday’s Braves-Pirates game at Turner Field in Atlanta inspired the longest standing ovation Braves pitcher Peter Moylan has ever witnessed.
Lily’s remarkable performance was part of “Rally Night,” a special event for kids fighting cancer. And fighting cancer is exactly what Lily has been doing since she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma Cancer in 2009.
Despite a two year battle that included chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, on Thursday night Lily Anderson delivered the National Anthem with all of the grace and professionalism one might expect from a seasoned performer.
We salute this young lady and all of the participants in Rally Night.
And for the record, The Pittsburgh Pirates came to Atlanta and beat the Braves on Thursday night, 5-2… but thanks to Lily and the rest of the Rally Kids, there were no losers.
H/T - Yahoo Sports
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Comments (209)
RON-BLAZE
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:42pmGod bless that little girl. Made me get a chill. She is the definition of this great country. Home of the Brave!!!!!
Report Post »Restored One
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:49pmBalling my eyes out! God bless you Lilly.
Report Post »sooner12
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 11:05pmBless her little heart.
Report Post »Armed Patriot
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 6:27amTears streaming… Great job. God I love that song and this little girl is just the one to sing it. Hey jerks in DC… this is who we are fighting for. Get off your asses and quit ruining this country with your theft of monies and liberties. We are ready to fight.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 8:07amAgreed, brought tears to my eyes, a cancer survivor still bald, myself.
Report Post »Want our country back
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 8:31amRESTORED ONE
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:49pm
Balling my eyes out! God bless you Lilly.
DITTO THAT
Report Post »Favored93
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 10:00amLilli you’re an INSPIRATION!!!
Report Post »piper60
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 10:27amWell——she certainly sings better than a lot of the professional singers do on that one. Here’s hoping that she beats the cancer.
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 10:42amRight on Ron…Home of The Brave, haven’t heard our national anthem sung like that in a long time..God bless you Little Lily…
Report Post »knockered
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 11:08amImagine that, she knew all the words.
Report Post »Seasoldier
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 11:18amOutstanding! This girl is the embodiment of bravery. God bless and protect this little girl. Semper Fi
Report Post »Essa
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 11:51amDoes anyone know why I can not see the videos or play them. Just signed up and can not figure it out. Thanks
Report Post »19RANDY59
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 11:54amBeautiful
Report Post »arx
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 1:11pmThat little girl has more dignity and character in her pinky fingernail than those highly paid idiot performers…the so called ‘professionals’ who can’t be bothered to practice and get it right….have in their entire body.
Report Post »fubar911
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 1:54pm@TheBlaze… Thank you for posting this video of Lilly! I have the privilege of serving at Stonecreek Church where she attends and can tell you she is a very courageous and cheerful girl.
Report Post »sxa
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 10:42pmnice for her, but bad for the team, the managment and the owner. There are thousands of otherkids in that girls shoes, good now they are more depressed because they dont have a chance to do somethng like that. I wonder how much was a pay in or what relatives of the girl is on the team? You cant do it for all, dont do it for one.
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:12amSXA…now Lily will possibly read your comment and feel bad…This is a beautiful little girl, who sang a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem…and maybe ….one of those other kids that is stricken with this horrible disease…can see what Lily did and be encourage by it.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on July 31, 2011 at 7:04pmThat was enough to blur my screen but good!
Don‘t know when I’ve grinned this widely — been a while!
Report Post »Go, Lily! Good job! ♥
♪♫♫♪♫♪♪♫♫♪♫♪♪♫
MrButcher
Posted on July 31, 2011 at 8:04pmVery moving and well done.
Good job, young lady.
Report Post »Hollywood
Posted on August 1, 2011 at 6:31pmABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! There is still hope,for America,shining through this child of God! May GOD,STILL, bless America!
Report Post »Tim Law
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:39pmThank you Lily! Your a wonderful young Lady. You have touched the hearts of many. May the Good Lord Bless you, for we are Blessed to have you. Amen
Report Post »madasblazes
Posted on August 1, 2011 at 1:37pmLily, Keep the Faith, child. We enjoyed this very much. Thank you.
Do not listen to negative people with evil, bitter, hearts like XSA.
You are lovable and capable and did a wonderful job!
Report Post »Thank you, thank you!!
Brewskie
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:32pmWhile watching that something jumped into my eyes
:)
Report Post »Virgil_Lance
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:51pmMine too – must be allergies. God bless this little angel.
Report Post »BBomber66
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:56amOh yeah! A lot of somethings; must be a dust storm. We now know what her purpose is. How inspirational.
Report Post »woolie877
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 9:32pmIt must be contagious…
Report Post »Virgil_Lance
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 11:08pm“BEST” VERSION EVER? It is definitely the most beautiful version of the national anthem that I ever heard. Despite her medical hardships, Lily stood at attention as well as any Marine, honoring her country by standing perfectly erect, her little right arm stiff down her side with her hand plastered tight against her thigh. She seemed incognizant of the stadium full of people focusing upon her. Her brow was furrowed in determination and her eyes were fixed in a “thousand yard stare”. Those words weren’t merely memorized, she sang them with all of her heart and soul. And the most beautiful part was the brief moments when she missed a note and recovered instantly, without flinching, without missing a word or a beat, forging ahead unstoppable to put forth her very best effort. Just like our country. IMHO Lily’s version is… absolutely perfect. Oh say does that sweet young girl sing undeterred and proudly? In the land of the free …..she is one, of our, brave.
Report Post »The Giver
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:31pm“…home of the brave”. Yes, Lily, you personify bravery. May you heal. God Bless You and thanks.
Report Post »hifi74
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 5:28pmrose-ellen
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 9:58am
Mixing children with rabid nationalism is propaganda.With a cancer stricken child it is pathetic!
———————————————————————————————————
May God have mercy on your soul because I won’t. Rose -Ellen the only pathetic thing I see here is you. So sad and woefully pathetic that in light of such a moving video the only thing you can do is try to turn it into something it is not. You heartless pathetic waste of skin. There will be a nice warm spot in Hell for you and others of your ilk. You make me sick you vapid little disease on society.
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:27pmya know even someone who has no soul or love for God or love for anything should have an impossible time finding something bad to say about this precious child who has suffered so much yet has such a terrific attitude towards life.Dang if we were all this brave and sweet what a wonderful world this would be. …………That was great sweetie God bless you
Report Post »JustMeHere_01
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 11:09pmI would agree with you except there are people like Bill Maher that will find something wrong and probalby curse this little angel.
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 8:46amNo he wont…Maher is a sissy that would get his a@@ kicked if he said anything negative towards this young lady.
Report Post »rose-ellen
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 9:58amMixing children with rabid nationalism is propaganda.With a cancer stricken child it is pathetic!
Report Post »boltfan63
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 1:02pmRose-Ellen you are pathetic. Oh and evil. The world will be a better place without you in it! Shame on you.
Report Post »arx
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 4:49pmA sick little girl bravely singing the national anthem is “rabid nationalism” to rose ellen. I suppose in your sick little world it is. I’m not surprised your always posting in support of Islam. Sick and twisted freak.
Report Post »woolie877
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 9:34pm@ rose ellen
Really? What the hell is your problem? You are pathetic…get a life…
Report Post »ljmack
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:26pmO. M. G. that was moving. more than just a tear.
Report Post »OhSuzieQ
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:59pmSame here LJMACK!! O M G!
Report Post »SavingtheRepublic.com
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:23pm10 yr old with cancer and fighting for her life gets it right but professionals and celebs botch it regularly… If you ask me the wrong person is sick!
Report Post »Bless this angel!
Islesfordian
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 8:21amThere are plenty of singers with better natural voices and training, but so many of them make a show of the anthem to impress us with what great singers they are. This girl just showed her heart and let the song shine forth. Far, far better.
Report Post »TRILO
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:23pmThat was beautiful. Our national anthem always brings tears to my eyes but after watching Lily I too needed a box of kleenex. I will keep Lily and all the other children with cancer in my thoughts and prayers.
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:22pmWhat a little sweetheart…
Report Post »the58thstate
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:21pmpure american moment. very well done.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:19pmGod bless this little sweetie pie. :’)
Report Post »ichooseliberty
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:19pmBeautiful
Report Post »NO-GODS-NO-MASTERS
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:18pmI thought Roseanne Barrs version was way better than this chemo critters.
13th Imam
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:24pmYou can always tell an ***** , but you can’t tell him much.
Well done Kid
Report Post »randy
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:28pm@NO-GODS-NO-MASTERS
Report Post »Really dude, what the heII is wrong with people like you?
If I heard you say that anywhere near me, I’d knock you on your a$$
HEARDENOUGHCRAP
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:28pmBy what standard do you equate that mouthy cow with this sweet, COURAGOUS, PATRIOTIC, young girl?
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:29pmKicked any puppies lately?
Report Post »Deanna in Missouri
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:32pmNO-GODS-NO-MASTERS
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:18pm
I thought Roseanne Barrs version was way better than this chemo critters.
You are the most despicable creature on this earth. I will try to say a prayer for you but with difficulty for your soul surely already belongs to satan.
Report Post »Steel Awesome
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:35pmRelease your hate, my young padawan learner.
Report Post »back2front
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:36pmAll I can say is just give me 5 minutes alone with your sorry a$$.
Report Post »spirited
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:45pm@no good disaster
>malox won’t help
Report Post »vtxphantom
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:47pmNo heart either
Report Post »MightyInfantry
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 11:24pm@no-masters
When I was in Iraq idiots like you kept their mouth shut because if they didn’t I would put the butt of my rifle upside their head and my boot in their as*. This girl has more guts than you will ever have even if you lived ten lives you coward.
Report Post »JustMeHere_01
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 11:45pm@NO-GODS-NO-MASTERS
First, thank you for supporting this site. I think advertisement is based on the number of hits a site gets so I will thank you for that.
Second, I would say that your heart is in the wrong place but that would be assuming that you had one.
I will just leave it at thanking you for supporting us here on the Blaze. Good Day.
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 11:51pmI understand that you say what you say because you want to giggle at the backlash. I‘m sure you’ll get what you want.
I’ll make you an honest offer: Let me buy you a beer or two. We’ll talk. By the time we finish the beers you will understand where you went wrong. This isn’t political. This isn’t anything to do with religion or lack thereof. This is a very young, very sick, very brave girl.
You on the otherhand MUST be a self hating, underachieving, sad little person. Pretty much sucks to be you or even around you. Let us know if you ever contract a serious illness – please! I’ll tell you what I really think of you. I’ll smile. You won’t.
Report Post »NO-GODS-NO-MASTERS
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:10am@ All of you
If my comment was about a Democrat, Liberal, Muslim, Lesbian, Homosexual, the President or anyone else you knuckle dragging mouth breathers don’t like, I’d have nothing but compliments and pats on the back.
Report Post »hellnomo
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 1:03amNo God I was going to say it, but my hope and respect for a small girl who shows an amount of bravery that you will never know says it all. Lily you are special, we can all learn from you. You have my prayers. Be well.
Report Post »NO-GODS-NO-MASTERS
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 1:16amSpare me the testimonials about the strength of person who should have been put on an ice float years ago. You all sit here saying god bless her and you are in our prayers. Guess what your god gave her cancer and it was educated free thinking scientist who are helping her
GBMBulletsSKNRD
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 2:02amNO-GODS-NO-MASTERS
First I want to say I feel sorry for you. With all that hatered in your heart you must be one very lonely person. I wish I could do something to help you out of your troubles but alas there is nothtng anyone can do to help you, you have to start by helping yourself.
Second I will tell you I am one big Bada$$ SOB and this little wonder made me tear up just a little. I hope you find it in your cold, cold, cold heart to help yourself heal. If not may you forever rot in he!!.
Report Post »apollo18
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 6:23amHey everybody: THIS IS THE TRUE LEFT IN AMERICA.
Report Post »Free-From-Fear
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 7:35am@no-gods & @divided-states
These two do not really object to this little girl, or truly think that she did not perform well. It is the song she was singing that upsets them.
No-Gods & Divided-States are liberals and as such haaaaaate that song. It would not matter how well she sang it. (It brought a tear to my eye, and just look at the crowd’s reaction).
No-Gods actually admits he liked Roseanne Barr’s version, because it was an insult to the song and everything it stands for.
Several recent studies have shown that listening to that song, looking at the flag and participating in patriotic celebrations makes people more CONSERVATIVE!
Report Post »NO-GODS-NO-MASTERS
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 8:17amLiving people have a strong interest in promoting the idea that somehow life is sacred. Only living people care about it so the whole thing grows out of a completely biased point of view. It’s a self serving, man-made BS story. Telling yourselves life is sacred makes you feel noble. Well let me ask you this: if everything that ever lived is dead, and everything alive is gonna die, where does the sacred part come in? All this stuff you people preach about life being sacred, you don’t practice it. Look at what we kill: Mosquitoes and flies. ‘Cause they’re pests. Lions and tigers. ‘Cause it’s fun! Chickens and pigs. ‘Cause we’re hungry. Pheasants and quails. ‘Cause it’s fun. And we’re hungry. We kill people. ‘Cause they’re pests. And it’s fun! So at best the sanctity of life is kind of a selective thing. We get to choose which forms of life we feel are sacred, and we get to kill the rest. Pretty neat deal, huh? You know how we got it? We made the whole f@#king thing up!
Report Post »bulldawg
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 10:08amTO the Moron NO-GODS-NO-MASTERS
Report Post »Many of us on this site have served this country to insure Communist like you are able to spew your hate for your fellow man. Right now I read your only way to display your courage because you lack the testicular fortitude to do this in public. You know that your stay in this great country would be short lived because I for one would insure your @$$ would be headed back to your homeland and you would have no say in the matter. See we who served will always stand for those who can’t, and you who spew will suffer the outcome.
boltfan63
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 1:04pm@NO-GODS-NO-MASTERS
Hey how is your wife Rose-Ellen? You two deserve to rot in hell together.
Report Post »NO-GODS-NO-MASTERS
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 4:32pm@Bulldawg
When I was younger and didn’t know any better, I too served in the military. It is becaue that experience I am so intimately familiar of the cruelty one human being can inflict upon another. No one life is more special or deserving than another. The people of this country believe they are priviledged and that they’re entitled to something grand because they are Americans. There are over 200 countries in the world right now. Do you people honestly think that God is sitting around picking out his favorites? Why would he do that? Why would God have a favorite country? And why would it be America out of all the countries? Because it has the most money? Because he likes our National Anthem? Maybe it’s because he heard we have 18 delicious flavors of Classic Rice-A-Roni? It’s delusional thinking! And America is not alone with this sort of delusion. Military cemeteries around the world are packed with brainwashed dead soldiers who were convinced God was on their side. What makes this child any different than the 1000′s that are dying everyday everywhere. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Where’s the prayers and bleeding heart sentiment for them. You should point that self righteous finger at yourself, before you point it at me.
Report Post »willnotbackdown
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 6:42pmI pitty people like you, so bitter because you beleive this life is it, that everthing you do is worthless and for nothing.
Report Post »NO-GODS-NO-MASTERS
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 7:48pmI’m not sure which is funnier. You trying to make an informed comment on someone you don’t know or you believing in the afterlife. Either way my stomach hurts from all the laughing…Thank you
Report Post »GrumpyCat
Posted on July 31, 2011 at 12:19am“NO-GODS-NO-MASTERS” can’t tell the difference between a performance sang with love vs. one sang with disdain.
Report Post »SpeckChaser
Posted on July 31, 2011 at 3:03am@know God
Hey man, God does have a favorite country…Israel. As for God and the afterlife, they exist also. You will actually be there one day. Hopefully you will have laughed your stomach sore eliminating your ability to make the embarrassing jaw dropped in disbelief face. All truth telling aside I will add you to my prayer list.
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on July 31, 2011 at 6:53pm@no god no masters
You should at least mention the great George Carlin if you are going to quote him verbatium.
cheers
Report Post »RW Nut Job
Posted on August 1, 2011 at 6:04pmYou’re an ass. I‘m sure you’ve been told this before, though.
Report Post »Rumrunner3
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:18pmGod Bless you Lilly, You really are an inspiration in a world so full of crap, yoiu made my heart swell with pride. I am so sorry for your plight, and so happy that you continue on.I cannot begin to imagine what you have gone through. Thank you for allowing us a snippet of what is good.
Report Post »JamesR
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:18pmMay God bless this little girl and her family. What a great job she did. She even knew all the words! Perhaps the NFL should take notice the next time they need someone to sing the anthem.
Report Post »MJ1025
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:14pmBeautiful.
Report Post »pattybbb1
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:38pmVery beautiful.
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:13pmGOD Bless her & her family .
Report Post »Well done Lily .
Gypsy123
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:11pmFrom the mouth of babes.
Report Post »neverending
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:10pmWOW – God Bless her and her family. We willl be praying for you. Now for the box of kleenex!
Report Post »rienheart
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:09pmPrayers be with you and your family.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:08pmShe done real GOOD…Bless her little/BIG heart!!!!
Report Post »USMarine0311
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:07pmWarms my heart and gives me faith that there is still a deep love of our country in our youth.
Report Post »neverending
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:11pmAmen to that.
Report Post »hersey10
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:05pmIf this didn’t give you the chills and bring a tear to your eye I feel sorry for you . INCREDIBLE !!!
Report Post »The Divided States of America
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:05pmGod bless her little soul, but i thought she sucked !!!
HEARDENOUGHCRAP
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:21pmMaybe you couldn’t hear the patriotism in her voice. I‘d wager you couldn’t go through what she has, and come out carrying a tune in a bushel basket with lid on it
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:22pmDivided – No she didn’t s_ck. You may wish to examine your own heart to determine why you would choose to say something so ugly. Do you have any compassion? God bless you & help you soften your heart.
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:34pmso do you for saying that. Skinned any cats lately?
Report Post »Steel Awesome
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:38pmShe’s a 10-year-old little girl who’s sick, but for some inexplicable reason, some people feel a need to mock her. I bet that makes you feel more secure.
Report Post »GBMBulletsSKNRD
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 3:28amThe Divided States of America
NO-GODS-NO-MASTERS
First I want to say I feel sorry for you. With all that hatered in your heart you must be one very lonely person. I wish I could do something to help you out of your troubles but alas there is nothtng anyone can do to help you, you have to start by helping yourself.
Second I will tell you I am one big Bada$$ SOB and this little wonder made me tear up just a little. I hope you find it in your cold, cold, cold heart to help yourself heal. If not may you forever rot in he!!.
Report Post »Shasta
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 10:10am@Divided, first of all, Lily is is a sweat courageous little girl, who has gone through much adversity, yet kept her zest for life. To your point, @Divided, she has a wonderful voice and did a fantastic voice.
Report Post »USAFRetired
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:03pmWell Done and our prayers are with you
Report Post »Whitey4West
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:12pmwell done Lily, well done…
Report Post »