Thanks gentlemen for sharing. I'm still working on the key, probably G or A. As for the accompaniment, I'm going for something simple like Alicia Keys does. I wish I could sing half as soulfully, but I'd like to think a straightforward version sung in tune and in a comfortable key, can be effective too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6XM8MAXGp0 Right on montunoman. To me, I think of national anthems as the sonic equivalents of national flags and it never ceases to amaze how often the American anthem in particular, frequently gets absolutely butchered. Sports event anthem 'singers' are probably the worst offenders.