Freeholder Alisa Cooper
and "The National Anthem Project - 2008"
On June 14, the nation will observe Flag Day,
one of the most important but under- appreciated
days on our national calendar. This celebration
of our stars and stripes generally gets little
attention when compared with the more
high-profile holidays such as Memorial Day and
the Fourth of July. That is unfortunate because
Flag Day is rich with significance in that it
recalls the “star-spangled” symbol of our
freedom and independence.
With this important day approaching, I thought
it appropriate to bring attention to the
“National Anthem Project” – a nationwide program
designed to increase awareness of the flag, as
well as of the song penned by Francis Scott Key
when an undermanned but courageous group of
American soldiers turned back the British Navy
at Baltimore's Fort McHenry. The National Anthem
Project is also designed to remind decision
makers in Washington, D.C. about the importance
of supporting and funding music education
programs in our schools. Budget cuts all too
often target those music programs, denying
students an important aspect of a well-rounded
education and all the benefits that music can
bring to their lives.
Last year, June 2007, thousands of music
educators and their students traveled to
Washington, D.C. for the National Anthem
Project, which raised the profile of music
education nationwide. The National Anthem
Project 2007 was such a huge success that music
teachers and students decided to continue this
program. So, this week, from June 12 - 15, the
National Anthem Project will, once again,
culminate in Washington, D.C with a 3 day
celebration that will attract students, teachers
and various organizations from across the
country. They will gather in the nation's
capital for a musical festival featuring a
celebration of patriotic songs led by the U.S.
Marine Corps Band at the Washington Monument.
There will also be a concert on the National
Mall featuring a “national anthem sing-along”
while student ensembles will have the
opportunity to perform at Washington, DC’s
historic memorials.
In learning about the project, I was astonished
by a survey that showed that two out of three
Americans do not know all the words to the Star
Spangled Banner and that many are not even aware
it is our National Anthem. Another very crucial
aspect of this project is to emphasize the
proper pronunciation of all the words, the
correct singing and the historic significance of
the Star Spangled Banner. It is far too often
sung improperly at sporting events, concerts and
other venues by celebrities and others who
mangle the Anthem – changing words or phrases,
ignoring it’s proper tempo or making up their
own melody. I cringe whenever I hear our Star
Spangled Banner treated in such a cavalier
manner. As a professional musician, vocalist and
teacher, I recognize the importance of creative
expression and interpretation. But, Congress
established certain guidelines for the “singing
and playing” of this song in 1942, and now, more
than ever, it is an appropriate time to remind
people that our National Anthem should be sung
properly and with respect.
Expressions of pride in our country and respect
for the flag can never be overdone. A passionate
and enduring patriotism has always been a
hallmark of Americans. It is a patriotism that
is admired and envied in many parts of the
world. With Flag Day upon us, there can be no
better time to pause and reflect on the strength
of our country, the sacrifice of those who came
before us, and our obligation to treat our flag
- and all that it represents - with the highest
degree of honor and respect.
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Alisa Cooper is a music teacher, professional
musician and an Atlantic County Freeholder.
