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Tribute to the National Anthem Project
(Extensions of Remarks - December 05, 2007)

SPEECH OF
HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER
OF MARYLAND
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2007

  • Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize The National Anthem Project a 3-year national education campaign, led by our Nation's music educators, to raise awareness of the importance of music programs in our Nation's schools.

  • The National Anthem Project was launched by the National Association for Music Education in 2005, in response to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive. The Harris Poll showed that two out of three Americans did not know the words to ``The Star-Spangled Banner.'' The National Association for Music Education believes that this lack of knowledge, concerning the words and history of our national anthem, is a direct reflection of the quality of music education in our Nation's schools.

  • Music programs are considered an important part of a well-rounded education. Research shows that music programs help students perform better in math and science. Music education also provides students with a greater appreciation of America's musical heritage and history, as most Americans learn the national anthem and other patriotic songs at school.

  • The goal of the National Anthem Project was to ``restore America's voice,'' by re-teaching Americans to sing ``The Star-Spangled Banner'' and by spotlighting the important role of music programs in our Nation's schools. The 3-year project began on March 10, 2005, with a kick-off celebration on Capital Hill. The kick-off was followed by a nationwide Road Show tour in 2006 and hundreds of additional project-inspired events. The National Anthem Project came to a close in June of 2007, with a 3-day Grand Finale on the grounds of the Washington Monument. The Finale featured over 5,000 participants, including celebrities, Drum Corps International, music teachers, and students from all across the United States, who gathered together to celebrate the achievements of the National Anthem Project and, of course, to sing the national anthem.

  • The National Anthem Project has been a great success. Not only has the project succeeded in re-teaching the words and history of our national anthem, but it has also inspired people all over the country to have a greater appreciation of America's musical heritage and the importance of music education in our Nation's schools. The National Anthem Project has garnered significant news coverage from thousands of news outlets across the country, including Fox News, CNN, and Good Morning America. The success of The National Anthem Project has even received the attention of the Senate, which passed a Resolution in July of 2007 in support of the project's goals and ideals. It is my pleasure to share with you today the achievements of the National Anthem Project.