Reagan's funeral

[Chris2505]

I heard the UK national anthem played during TV coverage of Reagan's lying in state. Does this tune (which I have always thought sounds a bit dreary) have another meaning in the US?

[Postie]

America (My Country tis of Thee) www.miketodd.net/encyc/americatext.htm

[bernardo]

The same tune was used in the 19th century for the national anthem of many countries e.g. Bavaria Prussia and is still used in Liechtenstein. In America there are various different "anthems" and "The Star-Spangled Banner" only became the official one in 1931. So the use of the tune of GSTQ in America is a bit like using Jerusalem or LOHAG or I Vow to Thee My Country in the UK and/or England.