The Editor, Sir:

"Eternal Father, bless our land, guide us with Thy mighty hands." This was the familiar sound of our National Anthem, that could be heard as I was about to enter my car in the crammed parking lane at St. George's College.

Earlier, I wandered about the school grounds and took note of its surroundings, being a 'new' parent and was unfamiliarwith its environment. I observed during my tour, several boys, or young men (as they would rather be called), moving steadily to their classes, while others capitalised on the few remaining minutes to play football. Teachers conversed with parents, and students with teachers alike.

I was, however, amazed that at the sound of the Anthem, everything came to a standstill. The boys, pardon me, young men, who hurried to class halted, the footballers froze and the conversation among students, parents and teachers ceased.

Everyone stood almost motionless as the Anthem, echoed through the intercoms, mellowed by the chirping of the birds, permeated every nook and cranny of the school. I too stopped and joined the salute.

This prayer to the Heavenly Father to bless our land and for guidance with His mighty hand, is played at St. George's College each morning at approximately 7:50 am, just before class, and is the basis on which this noble institution stands.

I implore the leaders of all other schools in Jamaica, who have not already done so, to take a moment out of St. George's day, not only to play the National Anthem, but also to reflect on what it symbolises, its composition and give it the honour it truly deserves.

I am, etc.,

JUDY ANN HYATT

jdynnhyatt@yahoo.com