Anthem's fourth verse is powerful

In response to Ernest F. Daniel's Jan. 29 letter ("Rotate national anthem's verses"), I totally agree, and have been trying to bring this to the attention of our representatives and senators.

Why sing the first stanza of the national anthem, which ends in a question, when the fourth verse is emphatic and states the true meaning of our country's creed?

"O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,

"Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;

"Blest with vict'ry and peace may this heav'n-rescued land

"Praise the Power that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!

"Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,

"And this be our motto, 'In God is our trust'

"And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

"O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

This is what we should sing. Are they teaching this in our schools?

Marilyn K. Goode, McCormick, S.C.