WILDWOOD – According to Mayor Ernie Troiano, the Boardwalk soundtrack would continue to feature Kate Smith’s rendition of “God Bless America” despite recent allegations of Smith’s racism.
Smith’s “God Bless America” has long been a traditional feature at sporting and recreational events across America, including the Wildwoods Boardwalk summer soundtrack.
Recent allegations of racism have tempered patriotic fervor for Smith in many places, including Philadelphia, where the Flyers recently removed her statue at the Wells Fargo Center. Mayor Ernie Troiano reported strong support for keeping the Boardwalk tradition alive, with a petition launched to bring Smith’s statue to Wildwood.
Smith, born in 1907 in Virginia, became famous for her rendition of Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America.” Smith also recorded several, now-controversial Depression-era hits, including “Pickaninny Heaven” and “That’s Why Darkies Were Born.”
In addressing the Smith controversy, Troiano acknowledged America today is very different from the America of Kate Smith’s heyday, in terms of what is deemed “acceptable.”
Referencing the discrimination faced by his immigrant grandparents, Mayor Troiano decried the racism and bigotry experienced by countless people, past and present, here and around the globe.
But Troiano defended Smith. The controversial songs, depicting African Americans, were satirical in nature, according to the mayor.
Troiano lauded Smith’s patriotism, saying Smith raised over $10.2 billion (present day value) in war bonds and entertained troops overseas during World War II, and the words of “God Bless America” honor veterans past and present.
According to the mayor, while some negative remarks have been made, support to keep the tradition alive has been “overwhelming.”
American Legion Post 184 started an online petition (http://bit.ly/2ISAvP8) to bring the statue of Smith to Wildwood.
The petition, which had over 1,400 signatures April 26, states, “The removal of the statue is an attack on veterans who fought for this country.” Petition organizers aim to provide Smith’s statue with a “new, loving home in Wildwood.”
While Smith’s voice has been silenced by both the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Yankees, Troiano said the principle of the matter was at stake.
“I understand political correctness,” Troiano said.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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