Anthem

Every Monday at the school, the day begins with maybe 20-30 minutes of an assembly. The students all file into the courtyard by grade level, and the principal and don Carlos talk to the students about the week's announcements. First, though, a recording of the national anthem is played while students put their hands over their hearts and, I noticed, some of the teachers make a sort of salute over their hearts. I wonder if that represents past military service. After the anthem, a student is selected to lead the school in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. In Spanish, it's called the "oracion a la bandera," which literally translates to "prayer to the flag," and that's perhaps a bit more accurate. The pledge really does have a prayer-like tone, especially since it's filled with praise and glory to El Salvador and the pledge to be faithful citizens.

I just thought it was really interesting hearing another country's national anthem and pledge of allegiance, and I thought I'd share! The national anthem of El Salvador is also one of the longest national anthems in the world, as it was composed with a full intro, chorus, and verse. (More info here.) It was adopted on September 15, 1879 (E.S. independence day from Spain). The musicality of the anthem is, in my opinion, absolutely gorgeous. I wasn't surprised to learn that it was composed by the director of an opera company!
So, here you go! Listen and enjoy!

National Anthem of El Salvador
Pledge of allegiance to the flag