“His star goes marching on”

In college, I worked at a Carl’s Jr. in Reseda. One night after closing, I put together with my coworkers a humorous song about the company’s founder and then CEO, Carl Karcher. Given Karcher’s patriotic and conservative nature, I based it on “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The song was intended to be at the one hand humorous, but still respectful. We wanted to have fun, but not get fired in the process. Even our supervisors wound up liking it.

Carl Karcher died yesterday. As I look back at that song, the words now seem to provide a fitting tribute. Then and now, I admired what he accomplished on his own and how he carried his principles in everything he did. The job at Carl’s kept me going through a difficult time in my life when my mom suffered a stroke, and I was struggling to get started in college. Because Carl persisted in following his dream, I was able to follow mine.

So, here’s to you, Carl.

Mine eyes have seen the glory of Carl’s hot dog stand.
All the buns and all the wieners were all under his command,
And how he made a fortune using just his own two hands.
His star goes marching on.

Glory, glory Carl Karcher.
Glory, glory Carl Karcher.
Glory, glory Carl Karcher.
His star goes marching on.

He is the epitome of free enterprise
With hot dogs, and his burgers, and his roast beef, and his fries,
And he is just as American as his hot apple pies!
His star goes marching on.

Glory, glory Carl Karcher.
Glory, glory Carl Karcher.
Glory, glory Carl Karcher.
His star goes marching on.

You can read more about my Carl’s Jr. experience in my award-winning speech “Bound.” Also, view the tribute to Carl Karcher on the Carl’s Jr. Web site.