A New Project Sings The Praises Of The National Anthem (NAPSA)—Aneffort to restore respect and appreciation for the The Star-Spangled Banner 1814 national anthem is striking the right chord with many people. The National Anthem Project, a multi-year effort to reteach Americans “The Star-Spangled Banner,” is led by the National Association for Music Education (MENC). Mrs. Laura Bush serves as Honorary Chairperson. The campaign launch comes on the heels of a recent Harris Poll that shows two out of three Americans don’t know the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner” and many are unaware of the historical events that inspired the penning of the song. This finding prompted MENC, the world’s largest arts education association and the only one that addressesall facets of music education, to spearhead the project and shine the spotlight on the importance of school music programs, given that this is where most Americanslearn the national anthem andother patriotic songs. “Recent budget cuts to school music programs havesilenced our nation, cutting off students from access to learning about our country’s historical traditions,” says John Mahlmann, Executive Direc- tor, MENC. “Music in schools provides the platform for citizenship that stays with usfor a lifetime.” One goal of the campaign is to change the practice of Americans listening to a soloist perform the anthem, particularly at special The National Anthem Project is under way to help reteach Americans the importance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” events, and to encourage everyone to sing the anthem together. The nationwideinitiative is supported by the Jeep brand, the project’s National Presenting Sponsor. “As the Jeep brand is deeply rooted in American traditions and values, we are excited about the opportunity to be a part of the National Anthem Project and to join the National Association for Music Education in this mission to restore America’s voice,” said Dieter Zetsche, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chrysler Group. The project is led by the project’s official musical ambassadors, The Oak Ridge Boys and is supported by leading organizations across the country, including The Girls Scouts of the U.S.A., The American Legion and The History Channel. “Today our countryis calling on our music educators to restore Words by Francis Scott Key, Music by John Stafford Smith 0 say, can yousee, by the dawn’s early light, Whatso proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming? Whose broadstripes and brightstars, throughthe perilousfight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs burstingin air, Gave proofthrough the nightthatourflag wasstill there. 0 say, doesthat star-spangled banneryet wave, O’er the landofthe free, and the homeof the brave? @ America’s voice,” said Mahlmann. “We want to remind all Americans to cherish our national treasures and to celebrate our unity and values in song.” This multi-faceted campaign will include curriculum efforts in schools across the country, special performances and alliances with professional sporting events, public service announcements and special eventsin cities nationwide. For more information visit the Web site at www.thenational anthemproject.org.
