On 14 September 2011 , the Sea Chanters performed the " Battle Hymn of the Republic " at the national memorial service for the September 11 attacks at the Washington National Cathedral , immediately following the eulogy by President of the United States George W. Bush . Prior to the memorial service , White House officials debated the wisdom of following Bush 's speech with the " Battle Hymn of the Republic " due to both the song 's length , at five stanzas , and its lyrics which were " unabashedly militant " , describing the " fateful lightning " of a " terrible , swift sword " . Later , some officials of the Administration cited the performance by the Sea Chanters as an " awakening " of a need for war
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Sea Chanters