Cape May Gift Shop Changes Tune, Will Continue To Play Kate Smith's 'God Bless America' During Nightly Veterans Ceremony
CAPE MAY, N.J. (CBS) -- Cape May is having an about-face when it comes to Kate Smith and her rendition of "God Bless America." Sunset Beach Gifts in Cape May now says it will continue to play Smith's rendition of the song during its nightly veterans ceremony.
Previously, the store said it would stop playing the recording.
The Flyers removed Smith's statue, and her rendition of "God Bless America" from their music library, after it came to light Smith sangs songs with racist lyrics in the 1930s.
The mayor of Wildwood and the town's American Legion post have also shown interest in acquiring Smith's statue, which was removed from the sports complex last month.
Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano has also vowed to continue playing "God Bless America" daily on the beach town's boardwalk.