The video that went viral was posted Friday to Facebook by Nay Nichelle.
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Star Swain, 34, was on a trip to Washington, D.C. on June 16 with the minister of music at her church, Marcus Henderson, and his family, along with Godby High assistant principal Benny Bolden and his family.
The video of her singing has been viewed almost 10 million times.
Before she starts singing, Swain vocalizes her nerves, but the moment the song reaches her lips, she is the picture of confidence. Slowly, people can be seen in the background gathering to watch.
That decision prompted applause and praise from fellow tourists two weeks ago, but Swain probably had no idea her rendition would eventually draw an audience of millions online.
The post had also been liked about 100,000 times, with many praising the performance. “It’s a healing that’s even beyond the words that she sings”.
One user, Mary Tobin, wrote, “I’m a Combat Veteran and I’ve laid many Soldiers and friends to rest in defense of our nation”. It has more than 7 million views.
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Others said Swain, who is from Tallahassee, Florida, brought them to tears with her voice.
