[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 166 (Monday, November 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       THE NATIONAL ANTHEM ``SINGAMERICA'' COMMEMORATION PROJECT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2003

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of H. Con. Res. 262, the National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' 
Project, and to bring to the attention of my colleagues this wonderful, 
new national initiative to commemorate American patriotic music and the 
role it has played in our history. This new initiative will involve 
several exciting music-related patriotic programs over the next 3 
years.
  The National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project is designed to invigorate 
and inspire the American people to a greater appreciation of their 
patriotic musical heritage. Through this project, we will be able to 
renew our appreciation for the patriotic music that so movingly 
expresses our core national sentiments. The members of the National 
Association for Music Education, in collaboration with the Smithsonian 
Institution, and with support from the American Sportscasters 
Association, are already actively pursuing the laudable goals of the 
project.
  The National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project includes a series of 
activities calculated to bring the music, words, and sentiments of the 
Anthem and our nation's patriotic songs to everyone-and to energize the 
participation of students and adults alike in this essential expression 
of patriotism. America's youth will give voice to our national anthem 
and be able to sing it proudly, accurately, and with a full 
understanding of its rich text. The American Sportscasters Association 
will be working to increase the emphasis on our national anthem at 
major sporting events, reaching many of those who otherwise would not 
have this musical experience. The National Association for Music 
Education will release a CD with patriotic music played by the Marine 
Band, complete with a history of this music's role in our nation's 
development. Teachers' guides will be distributed across the nation to 
help educators bring the practice and meaning of this music to our 
nation's students.
  All of this activity will culminate on June 14, 2006, when the 
Smithsonian's National Museum of American's History unveils the newly 
restored Star Spangled Banner. This event plans to include history's 
largest performance of the National Anthem with millions of 
participants from around the country joining thousands of high school 
band and chorus members on the National Mall to celebrate the display 
of the restored Star Spangled Banner, the Flag that inspired the 
National Anthem.
  Even more than producing these rousing patriotic events, the National 
Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project is a catalyst for all Americans to 
experience a greater understanding and appreciation of our patriotic 
music history. It will also remind us of the countless sacrifices made 
by so many and of the courage displayed by all Veterans' who have 
served our country with great honor and pride.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I am proud to introduce H. Con. Res. 262 and 
to honor the flag and the song that are the symbols of America. I call 
upon my colleagues for their unanimous support in passing the 
SingAmerica Act.

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