[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15833]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 236--SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF THE NATIONAL 
   ANTHEM PROJECT, WHICH HAS WORKED TO RESTORE AMERICA'S VOICE BY RE-
             TEACHING AMERICANS TO SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

  Mr. BAYH (for himself, Mr. Craig, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Hagel, Mr. Crapo, 
Mr. Nelson of Nebraska, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Durbin, Ms. Snowe, 
Mr. Roberts, Mr. Lott, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Menendez, and Mr. Akaka) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 236

       Whereas a Harris Interactive Survey discovered that of men 
     and women 18 years of age and older, 61 percent of those 
     surveyed did not know all the lyrics of the first stanza of 
     the national anthem, and of those who answered the question 
     affirmatively, 58 percent had received at least 5 years of 
     music education while growing up;
       Whereas an ABC News poll revealed that more than 1 in 3 
     Americans (38 percent) do not know that the official name of 
     the national anthem is ``The Star-Spangled Banner'', less 
     than 35 percent of American teenagers can name Francis Scott 
     Key as the author of the national anthem, and as few as 15 
     percent of American youth can sing the words to the anthem 
     from memory;
       Whereas the national anthem, ``The Star-Spangled Banner'', 
     holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the American 
     people as a symbol of national unity, resolve, and 
     willingness to sacrifice in order to preserve the Nation's 
     sacred heritage of freedom;
       Whereas the National Anthem Project has inspired the 
     American people to have a greater appreciation of their 
     patriotic musical heritage while learning American history;
       Whereas music educators are the among the leading 
     caretakers of this important piece of our Nation's heritage, 
     in that many students learn the national anthem in music 
     class;
       Whereas our Nation's future is enhanced by the quality of 
     the historic knowledge and awareness provided to children of 
     all ages through learning about the national anthem, and that 
     high-quality music education represents a worthy commitment 
     to our children and our Nation's future; and
       Whereas, the national anthem is the symbol of American 
     ideals and freedom around the world: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of the National Anthem 
     Project;
       (2) commends the American citizens who have participated in 
     this project; and
       (3) encourages the people of the United States to learn the 
     national anthem, ``The Star-Spangled Banner'', and its proud 
     history.

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