GREAT NATIONAL ANTHEM MOMENTS

Here is a list of “Favorite/Most Memorable National Anthem Moments" submitted by National Anthem Project supprters.

• Jesse Owens at the 1936 Berlin Olympics
  During the height of Nazi Germany, American athlete Jesse Owens defied Hitler’s propaganda, winning three gold medals and breaking several world records, as a highlight of the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. The image of Owens holding up his medal as “The Star-Spangled Banner” played continues to inspire Americans today.
  -MENC Staff
  
  
• The U.S. Hockey Team at the 1980 Winter Olympics
  The victorious Men’s USA Hockey team proved the power of the underdog as they defeated the powerhouse Russians on their road to gold. After the team captain sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” with all of America during the medal ceremony, the entire team stormed the platform and the remarkable moment was solidified in American sports history.
  -MENC Staff
  
  
• Whitney Houston Brings Down the House at Super Bowl XXV
  More than a decade later, sports fans are still talking about Whitney Houston’s uplifting performance at Super Bowl XXV in 1991 (the New York Giants vs. Buffalo Bills).
  -MENC Staff
  
  
• Portland Coach Maurice Cheeks Saves the Moment in 2003 NBA Finals
  Who can forget the collective cringe across the country as 13-year old soloist Natalie Gilbert blanked on the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner” live during a Portland vs. Dallas NBA playoff game? Trailblazer coach Mo Cheeks jumped up to help her finish the song and end this historic moment on a high note.
  -MENC Staff
  
  
• 2004 USA Women’s Soccer Team Sings for Joy Over Their Final Olympic Gold
  It was one of their last times together and they made the most of the moment. Every member of the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team was belting out the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner” as they celebrated their last victory together during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
  -MENC Staff
  
  
• Linda Ronstadt at Dodger Stadium. She came out wearing a Dodger warm up jacket in deep center field and belted out the song. No fanfare, just got it done.
  – Jack Bedsole
  
  
• Marvin Gaye singing the national anthem at the NBA Finals.
  -Khoran
  
  
• 1991 NHL All-Star game in Chicago, just days after the start of Operation Desert Storm. The building roar of the crowd at Chicago Stadium during the anthem was a long-standing tradition, but that day it was off the chart.
  -Jeff Thompson
  
  
• My favorite "Star-Spangled Banner" sports moment happened just recently. It was Game 6 of the 2005 NBA finals here in San Antonio, TX. Of course being a big SPURS fan I was going to be glued to the TV anyway, but what made the game extra special was the group selected to sing the national anthem.... TOPS IN BLUE! This is the U.S. Air Force's premiere entertainment group. The group is comprised of everyday airmen from various jobs in the Air Force. After a short notice and having only been together a short time as this year's team, Tops in Blue 2005 sang “The Star-Spangled Banner" majestically with their beautiful harmony, rivaling if not surpassing the "professional" singers. I salute these young men and women who are serving our country with honor!
  - MSgt D. Davis, USAF
  
  
• First Baltimore Orioles game after 9/11 at Camden Yards! When “The Star-Spangled Banner” played at Camden Yards for the first time after 9/11 is my favorite sport moment. Every player and fan stood up and saluted to the American flag in center field. It was a great site to see that everyone was singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” while it was playing. After the song was finished, the fans at the game started to chant "USA" over and over again. This was a great sight to see.
  - Nicholas Baker
  
  
• My husband and I watch a lot of racing on TV. Every week before the start of the NASCAR race, and sometimes the Truck and Busch races, we get to see and hear the national anthem sung. It gives us the chills every time we hear it. We stop what we are doing and give our anthem the respect it deserves. It is a very hard song to sing and many try (some unsuccessfully) to add their own spice to it, but it is refreshing to hear nonetheless. Young and old alike sing it, country to rock to hip-hop singers. It gives us hope that our country has not lost its way through all the politics.
  -Cindy
  
  
• … I heard several performances in the days immediately following America's darkest day, September 11th, 2001. Many sporting events were cancelled in those first few days as our nation tried to come to terms with what we'd all endured. No, I did not personally know anyone who lost their life or was injured that day, but because I am an American, they were ALL my people, my family. I remember watching the NASCAR race in particular, but I also tuned in to other sporting events just because hearing the anthem in those dark days helped lift my spirits. The anthem reminded me of what it means to be an American: WE ARE STILL AND FOREVER HERE. Terrorists and evildoers may hit us, and occasionally, they will hit us HARD, but TERRORISTS AND EVIL ITSELF WILL NEVER TRIUMPH. The American spirit is stronger than anything evil can create. Our national anthem strengthened us all by reminding us that we are ONE nation, and this nation will persevere. Even later, the anthem was able to do that for me. I remember the one-year anniversary of September 11th. At the time, I worked in a very busy section of downtown. The streets were eerily calm as I made my way to work. Everywhere around me I saw people wearing or carrying an American flag. I had purchased the CD single of Whitney Houston's performance, and I was so overcome by seeing the resolve and unity of my fellow Americans that I rolled my windows down and played her version just as loud as I possibly could without distortion. EVERYONE who heard it stopped to see where it was coming from, and every single person smiled when they realized what it was. Our precious national anthem helped unite us as a nation on September 11th, in the days immediately following, and presently. I think we all cherish it even more since that horrible day.
  -J. Banker
  
  
• The 1980 Miracle On Ice in Lake Placid because I was actually playing the anthem with the Crane School of Music Band for the U.S. Hockey team. This was the highlight of my life and I will never forget the feeling of pride and good fortune to be there performing for such a historic event.
  -Paul L. Marcucci
  
  
• My favorite national anthem moment was during the rededication of the Statue of Liberty in 1986 when Sandi Patti sang an arrangement of the national anthem.
  
  It was so awesome! The original song is one of such character and respect for our country that I couldn't imagine it ever arranged. Her performance was inspirational and brought tears to my eyes. We need more moments like that one.
  -Stephanie Davisson
  
  
• Six years ago I was a chaperone on the Hayfield H.S. (Virginia) choir choral trip to NYC. The choir participated in a Heritage Festival, whose culminating activity for all participating schools was a dinner dance on a harbor cruise boat. The kids all danced and had a great time on the lower levels, not really noticing the fantastic NYC night skyline on the upper deck, where most of the chaperones were congregated. After a while the DJ took a break. The kids started drifting up to get some fresh air. The captain pulled the boat right up to the skirts of the Statue of Liberty and cut the engines. There was a magnificent silence as we gazed upon her majestic features. Then one singer started "Oh say..." and by the end of the first line, 150 high school singers had become members of the same choir. It still brings tears and chills at the telling. I'll never forget it, and neither will any of the students.
  -Jeanne M. Crowley
  
• Definitely, as a Buffalo Bills's fan, Whitney in Tampa at Super Bowl XXV. Another favorite version is by Lillian Garcia of the World Wrestling Ent. group.
  -Jeff Aichinger
  
  
• 1976 Olympics with Mark Spitz, Sugar Ray Leonard
  -Juanda Ferguson
  
  
• During the New York State Section 2 High School Swimming & Diving Preliminaries on Thursday, February 16, 2006, at the Lynch Middle School in Amsterdam, NY, something very moving occurred. A female soloist began singing the national anthem. When the microphone started to feed back and all attempts to correct the situation failed, suddenly the swimmers (300-400 high school boys) started singing. The soloist turned off the microphone and the boys’ voices filled the pool area as they sang "The Star-Spangled Banner".
  -George Galeazza
  
  
• My favorite sports moment is also my most patriotic moment. It was about two weeks after the nation was shocked by 9/11. My husband and I attended the NASCAR race in Dover, Del. and our drive down from Maine was alone memorable with flags draped over many overpasses. As the spectators were heading to their seating and through the heightened security checks (this was one of the first major sports events since the tragic day) everyone was handed small American flags. The opening ceremonies were started as they usually do, but the anthem was more moving than ever. Standing there with tens of thousands of fans singing the anthem and waving flags was one of the most moving experiences of my life. The words sounded as clear as ever and as I looked around everyone around me was singing the words and waving the flags. The anthem came to an end, everyone was cheering and yelling and showing that as a nation we would stand strong. We were definitely proving that we would remain, "The land of the free and the home of the brave."
  -Tanya Condon
  
  
• There was no electricity after the Johnstown, PA 1977 flood. The borough I lived in, Franklin Borough, decided we needed to have a “Thankful Day” for all the workers and volunteers as a way to somehow show our honor and respect for their input.
  
  The town folk gathered to present a beautiful parade, which ended on our street’s area of destruction. There were helicopters flying over as a memorial. I had a friend take a portable cassette player out… the silence was something no one could forget. The Statler Brothers rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner" played.
  -Pamela Hospodarsky
  
  
• Michael Waltrip always singing along at NASCAR races.
  -Randy Swanitz
  
  
• Fall 1971 Ohio State football at Ohio Stadium. All 6 Blue Angels in twin engine F-4 Phantoms in a low altitude full afterburner fly by, while The Ohio State University Marching Band (TBDBITL) played "The Star-Spangled Banner". It doesn't get any better!
  -C. Rau
  
  
• I can't remember the year, but it was the last time the baseball All-Star game was played in San Francisco. The rock group Huey Lewis and the News, being from the area, performed the anthem. They sang it a capella, at least four-part harmony, and it was outstanding. (Lewis did "and the rocket's red glare," etc. as a solo.) I always like good performances of the anthem and was quite pleased (unlike many) with Jose Feliciano's performance some years before. Another noteworthy effort at an All-Star game, I believe in Anaheim, was by the pop trio Wilson Phillips, also a capella in three-part harmony. I have that one on videotape. Of course the anthem and baseball have been natural partners since World War II. I understand that at the fourth game of the 1969 World Series, the day being "Moratorium Day" on account of Vietnam protests, some people tried to get fans to add the John Lennon lines "All we are saying is: give peace a chance" after the anthem was sung, but if anyone did it they were drowned out by the cheering that is also traditional when the anthem was finished.
  -Phil D. Hernandez
  
  
• My favorite "Star Spangled Banner" sport[s] moment was back in 1990. My family went to Cincinnati for a Reds ballgame. We were seated under a tier, the ceiling above us looked a little weird but I didn't think anything about it. They were ready to play the national anthem like at all sporting events. So, as always, I belted out the song in my most lusty of voices and with exuberance. It wasn't until I hit the extra high note (after “land of the free”) that I noticed people around me staring. After the end of the anthem the announcer made a comment about “and thanks to the unknown soloist...” It was then that I realized, that the ceiling [above] us was the floor below the organist and that microphone from the booth had picked up my voice… I felt privileged that I have an opportunity to sing so freely this wonderful anthem and will do so loud and proud as long as my voice will allow me.
  -Chery
  
  
• The most recent was with Elliott Yamin from American idol singing at the 2006 basketball finals.
  -Vianca Connor
  
  
• I am from Grayslake, Illinois. In May our Varsity Baseball team won the AA Conference. One of the opportunities these young men had was to play on the Schaumburg Flyers field in Schaumburg, Illinois. Several of these young men who were graduating seniors had been playing together since their T-ball years. When they stood together along the third base line during the national anthem [it] was breath taking, not only were they singing, they had tears rolling down their faces. They were proud to be Americans!
  - Mary Lou Claussen
  
  
• This morning I was part of the National Anthem Project. I work for DaimlerChrysler and we (myself and 340+) others got up to be out on the West Lawn of DaimlerChrysler headquarters in Michigan before dawn. As we sang the national anthem several times, at least 10 by my count, I looked around and noticed the diversity of the people there, African Americans, Asian Americans, Middle Eastern Americans all of us singing about the land of the free and the home of the brave. It was awesome. It was awesome for another reason as well. My daughter Sarah is in college studying to be a music teacher. The closeness I felt to her and her mission in life was very moving. I honestly will never view that song the same way ever again.
  -Mark Haase
  
  
• Major League Baseball All-Star Game 2002 when major recording artist Anastacia sang a unique a capella version of the national anthem that would set the stage for one of the most memorable All-star match-ups in baseball history.
  -Tracy
  
  
• Kathie Lee Gifford's rendition at one of the Super Bowl’s was fabulous and heartfelt, filled with the respect the song deserves.
  -Louise Tetreault
  
  
• It was last year on the 4th of July and we were at a fireworks display awaiting for the show to start. My son, who was then 8, said, "Mom, do you think the troops in Iraq are celebrating today?" Just then the national anthem began and we all stopped and put our hands over our hearts to sing. My son looked at my husband and I placed his hand over his chest. As the song went on I began to cry thinking of our troops in Iraq fighting for this country and all they have sacrificed. When the song ended my son looked at me and said "Mom, I know the troops are celebrating, I just wish they were here to enjoy it and I could tell them thanks." I was so proud of him and our country's fighting men and women.
  -Rhonda B.
  
  
• NSYNC singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” a capella. I would consider it to be the most beautiful a capella rendition of the anthem.
  -Chris
  
  
• My favorite "Star-Spangled Banner" moment was in Lackland AFB, Texas when I saw my boyfriend graduate basic training into the Air Force. Every Squadron was perfectly aligned and you could see true patriotism in every person who attended on April 28, 2006.
  -Jamie Graham
  
  
• Harry Connick Jr. singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” with only Branford Marsalis playing soprano sax as accompaniment...this was at the first New Orleans Saints game following Hurricane Katrina.
  -Sue Ellen Hegstrom
  
  
• 2004 USA woman's soccer team sings for joy over their final Olympic gold.
  -Reema
  
  
• My brother and I attended a Boston Red Sox game on September 22, 2001 at Fenway Park. There had been worries that there may be another terror attack that weekend, possibly in Boston. Despite this, the place was packed with people. The whole crowd sang the anthem together loudly, along with the players and waved American flags. Looking at everyone singing together and crying was unforgettable. After the anthem, there was a collective cheer, applause and several minutes of the “USA!” chant. I don't remember who won or lost that game, but I do remember the anthem and patriotism everywhere.
  -Danielle
  
  
• Back in the 1980s, television would follow all of the American Olympic champions at their medal ceremonies. I believe it was the Seoul Olympics, and I'm not certain which springboard event it was; Greg Louganis won the gold and TV hung around for the medal ceremony. But when they cued up the music, it didn't play. After standing there for a few moments to silence, Louganis sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" while the American flag was raised. I couldn't quite tell from the TV audio, but I believe the Americans in the audience sang along with him. That's the only time I know of when an Olympic athlete was both a medal winner and a capella soloist at an awards ceremony.
  -Evelyn Ryan
  
  
• My favorite memory is a personal memory. I was asked to sing the national anthem the last night of the PBR (Professional Bull Rider) event in Nampa, Idaho in April of 2002. I was out in the middle of the dirt arena and it was completely dark. They introduced each rider as they came out and formed a circle. A circle inside of them was then lit on fire and small rockets were shot off at the end of the arena. I remember seeing the faces on some of these proud cowboys and was completely humbled. There's something about going to rodeos that just makes you proud to be an American. I have never felt as much energy and pride in an audience as I did that evening. It is a moment in time I will NEVER forget. God Bless America - and God Bless our Cowboys!
  -Calley Slagle Haws
  
  
• Bonnie Bell had just won another gold medal in speed skating and the music people at the Olympics were having trouble getting the anthem started. Suddenly, Bonnie's voice rang out and she sang it herself. After a moment, the crowd joined her.
  -Joanna Spotts
  
  
• 2006 Toyota Gator Bowl.... Monty Lane Allen sang the national anthem before the game and sang it as well as I've ever heard it sung. Thanks Monty!
  -Pattie Turner
  
  
• My favorite moment was the first MLB game in Shea Stadium after 9/11. There was not a dry eye in the house.
  -Shannon
  
  
• In 1994 during the 50th year remembrance of the Normandy Landing our choir participated in several events across the north of France. The group was the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus; the finale to our show was the version of the anthem made famous by Sandi Patti. I have never been so overwhelmed by the performance and response of the audience. Veterans and the like shared moments of pride and thanks for the service of those who 50 years previous gave their lives to preserve freedom in Europe.
  -Blair Ferrier
  
  
• It is always an amazing experience to sing the national anthem but I would have to say that the moment that stands out the most was when I sang it at my high school's semi-state basketball game in 1983. The games were held in Purdue University's Mackey Arena and singing the anthem down on the court, surrounded on all sides by the teams' fans that sang with me, was the most awesome experience ever. The feeling and respect I could feel on the court was incredible!
  
  I want to thank everyone who has made the singing of the anthem such a momentous experience, especially the fans at the Colt World Series, Purdue Athletics & the Air Force Band. You may never know how your participation affects those of us privileged to lead the song but I'm here to express my deep gratitude for the gift of your singing and the gift of this web site.
  -Rene R. Ketterer
  
  
• I love to hear our national anthem at our high school sports events. It is wonderful to witness rival teams come together to honor our country. It is a good reminder that the rivalries that we feel are of utmost importance are truly trivial compared to the unity we share. My son, Matt, and his friends recorded our national anthem in an a capella quartet arrangement. This has been played at his varsity basketball games. As a result, the quartet has been invited to sing at the Pennsylvania State High School basketball championships at Penn State on March 23, 2007! We expect that this will be our favorite "Star-Spangled Banner" moment!
  -Karen Landin
  
  
• I think the best ever was the year...I believe it was 1986, when the renovations were completed on the Statue of Liberty, and the fireworks display at the Independence Day Celebration in NY Harbor was accompanied by the most incredible version I have EVER heard, sung by Sandy Patti.
  -George Hoffman
  
  
• My favorite moments are the first times (every year) that my middle school band students can play “The Star-Spangled Banner" from start to finish with few mistakes. I also love any vocal performance that can hit the high notes with ease and keep them in the same key as they started.
  -David Burroway
  
  
• My favorite "Star-Spangled Banner" moment…is with my other job as the Commander and Bandmaster of the 108th Division Army Reserve Band in Charlotte, NC. We did a tour to Florida in the summer of 2005. We performed at Disney World for Flag Day and we did two concerts at Epcot in front of thousands of people. But during some of our down time we went to do a concert at a couple of the local VA hospitals. At one hospital, there was only a crowd of about 50 people, including residents, patients, guests and staff. When we began the program, of course being a military band, our opening number was The National Anthem. We invited people to stand and sing with us as we performed. In the back of the small auditorium, a gentleman that was a resident of the hospital "stood" in his wheelchair by balancing himself with his hands on the chair. You see he didn't have any legs since both had been amputated. Yet he "stood and sang" with all of the other members of the audience. That was quite a moment, and a measure of the power of The National Anthem.
  -CW3 Timothy J. Lyden
  
  
• Winton Marsalis' cornet rendition of the "The Star Spangled Banner" in 1991 at the NBA All-Star Game.
  -Katherine Manigo
  
  
• My favorite moment occurred just last week on my annual 8th grade D.C. trip. I teach American history at Linfield Christian School in Temecula, California, and my favorite lesson is on the War of 1812, with the highlight being teaching my students all 4 verses of “The Star-Spangled Banner." We sing together, sing solos and duets, and earn extra credit points on the test for more verses!
  
  We visited Fort McHenry early on April 2, 2007 and participated in the daily raising of the replica of the 30 by 42-foot banner. As it went up the massive flagpole, my entire group of 105 students, teachers, and parents sang with emotion I never felt before. It was quite moving. On the bus later, we sang the other verses as well. A lasting memory, to be sure--our hearts bursting with American pride and our eyes filled with tears.
  -Hollie Woods
  
  
• Ironically, on March 5, 2003 - just two weeks before the U.S. led invasion in Iraq, families and friends of the USS Constellation Battle Group participated in a simultaneous broadcast of the national anthem on radio stations across America, as well as on our Battle Ships that were in the Persian Gulf, which they were responsible for coordinating. We affectionately named our event, "The National Anthem Project - NAP."
  
  Our families and service members who were a part of that historic day will never forget the significance of that day.
  -Jerri Haaven-Pester
  
  
• The day I was sworn in as a member of the U.S. Navy at ceremonies at Bainbridge Naval Station, Bainbridge, MD in September 1955. I was 19 years old. As a distant member of the Key family of Maryland, I felt an enormous amount of pride and satisfaction to be able to serve the country that our ancestors loved and cherished. Tears came to my eyes at that moment, and I will never forget it.
  -Jack L. Key
  
  
• The Pre-game “Star-Spangled Banner” at any of the Army-Navy football games. This game brings together 9,000 (the entire Corps of Cadets and Brigade of Midshipmen) of the most patriotic Americans this country has to offer. The entire stadium actually sings the song, which is a rarity. A great experience!
  - Ed Maraist
  
  
• In the mid 1980's, I was at an Alabama-Tennessee football game in Birmingham, Alabama. Randy Owen, of the group Alabama, was there to sing the national anthem. To this day, of the thousands of times I've heard it sung, no one has come close to how he sang that day. No music, just his voice, pure and simple and beautiful. Everyone in the stadium was mesmerized by how earnestly he sang. As a proud Marine wife, I've heard the anthem countless times, but that Saturday afternoon version still ranks at the top.
  - Susan
  
  
• At Ardmore (Oklahoma) High School graduation 2007, we had the senior vocal music students sing the national anthem after opening remarks were made. I believe it was 12 students. They sang a capella. I cried when they were singing it, and they received a standing ovation when they finished. It was fabulous! I was the assistant to the Vocal Music Director this year so I knew these students quite well; I believe I've never heard our national anthem sung better by a group. It wasn't a national event, but it was a fantastic moment for the approximately 180 graduates and the entire community of Ardmore.
  - Carol Unruh
  
  
• My favorite moment was being in D.C. singing the national anthem for everyone to hear! It was a blast and my school Winnisquam Regional Middle/High School was the only NH school! I LOVED IT SOOOO MUCH!!!!
  -Ali Yandian
  
  
• Watching my daughter and her choral group singing the national anthem at the Naval Academy along with the Navy Marine Corp Drum and Bugle Corp at the opening of the DCI competition on June 16, 2007.
  - Chip Wichmanowski
  
  
• The launch of the National Anthem Project was a very inspiring time for me. Singing on the stage made me realize that some day I will begin my career as a teacher, and know how important “The Star-Spangled Banner” really is.
  - Emily Darstein
  
  
• ”I recently attended a showing of Spiderman 3 here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the national anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through the national anthem the music stopped.
  
  Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the national anthem in the first place. Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped.
  
  What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter as everyone sat down and expected the movie to start. Here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier stood at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand Soldiers ‘And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?’ It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here.”
  - Chaplain Jim Higgins
  
  
• After visiting Fort McHenry our family could better comprehend how fragile our nation was at that time. And that - in times of peace or war - we all rejoice to see our flag, flying high.
  - Beth S.
  
  
• When my nine year old daughter's dance instructor asked for a volunteer to sing the national anthem at their dance recital, entitled, "Stars and Strips", Sara jumped at the idea even though she has never sung before a crowd, her best friend, Jillian, enthusiastically volunteered too. With a few voice lessons under their belt, and a lot of practice, they stood up and proudly sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” in front of hundreds of people. The audience joined in when the music stopped and then restarted half way through the song. What a proud mother moment that I will never forget.
  - Cyndi Pawloski
  
  
• On a personal note… a barbershop quartet sang before a University of Memphis basketball game and it was the best I ever heard to this date. I am 57 yrs old and have heard thousands of national anthems.
  - Telly Futris
  
  
• 1998 San Jose Giants Baseball game
  
  The Company I worked at took us to the ball game for a day. I got a chance to be the lead singer of the national anthem before start of the game. In a few seconds, I became an American 'star' and it changed my life forever. This was especially dear to me as I just became a U.S. citizen in September 1997 after coming to this country 17 years before that. Today I have a mention in the National Baseball Hall of Fame (Cooperstown, NY) national anthem file. San Jose Giants are an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants baseball team and considered a Minor League team.
  - Kumu Gupta
  
  
• When my daughter was selected, at age 4, to sing the national anthem at the WNBA championship game.
  - Kim Burrows
  
  
• I was a participating student in The National Anthem Project and I believe that this will remain in many children’s hearts and minds for the rest of their life. We all now know that our country spent time and effort to ensure our understanding of the much-needed patriotism we all need. I also just wanted to say thank you.
  - Paige
  
  
• Standing on the sideline, helmet in hand, tears running down my face as I listened to my high school band play my favorite arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at my last home football game. I will never forget it...
  - Rob
  
  
• 2007 Horace A. Moses Scout Reservation, Russell, MA. I was acting scoutmaster for Troop 241 from Port Washington, NY at summer camp. Along with our brother troop, Troop 87 from West Springfield, MA, we held a Flag Retirement ceremony for the camp. During the ceremony it is customary to say something significant about the flag. I decided to tell the Story of “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Many did not know the history. Most of us only hear the song at ball games or school functions and we forget that the first verse ends with a question mark, which leads to end of the poem with an exclamation point. So put yourself in that place, where after a long night of the constant noise of the guns and the billows of smoke obscuring the horizon when those first rays of the morning sun came over the fort and no one knew what they would see, and there still waving was our flag. What a moment. We then read the entire poem slowly reflecting on it’s meaning; and then the flags were retired in silence to the sound of taps. No celebrities, no bands, just the words, the flags and the scouts in a lakeside amphitheatre in the woods in Massachusetts.
  - Kevin Hickson