O Say, Can You Sing, Toledo? National Anthem Project Rolls into Town to Reteach 'The Star-Spangled Banner'
14 Juillet 2006 - 5:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
- Two out of three Americans don't know the words to the National
Anthem AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The
National Anthem Project, an effort to reteach Americans the words
to the "The Star-Spangled Banner" and spotlight school music
programs, arrives today in Toledo, Ohio, hometown of the project's
National Presenting Sponsor, Jeep(R). The project is part of a
year-long, 50-city tour that will visit every state in the country.
Rob Ludeman, Toledo City Council President; Rhonda Shappert, Mrs.
Ohio 2005; and Cynthia Sidoti, Toledo Jeep Supplier Park Plant
Manager, welcomed the National Anthem Project (NAP) to the City
with a press conference at the Toledo Government Center. Central
Catholic High School's (Toledo) Acapella Group, singing in
four-part harmony, led the audience in a stirring rendition of the
national anthem. "The Jeep brand is about freedom, being able to
'go anywhere and do anything' -- the foundation of this country,"
said Sidoti. "For more than 64 years, Jeep has been a part of the
Toledo community, so we are pleased to host the National Anthem
Project in our hometown." The NAP will be open to the public on
Sunday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Toledo Zoo, one of
only two stops the tour will make in Ohio. Later in the evening,
the NAP will help open Music Under the Stars, featuring the Toledo
Symphony. America Is Losing Its Voice Created by the National
Association for Music Education (MENC), the NAP is a multi-year
national education initiative to reteach Americans the national
anthem after a Harris Poll showed that two out of three Americans
don't know the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner." The Jeep brand
signed on to be the National Presenting Sponsor, building upon its
65-year heritage and role in U.S. history. First Lady Laura Bush
serves as Honorary Chairperson. National Anthem Project in Toledo
The local stop includes a singing contest and concert on Sunday,
July 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater.
Attendees during Sunday's event will enjoy a concert featuring
students from Byrnedale (Toledo) Junior High School and interactive
activities that teach about the historical significance of the
National Anthem. Aspiring performers also have the opportunity to
prove their singing skills in the NAP All-Star Contest, in which
one winner from each state will be awarded a $1,000 donation to
his/her local music program and given the opportunity to perform at
a concert in Washington, D.C. in 2007. Attendees also will be able
to support their local school music programs by joining
MusicFriends, a non-profit music advocacy group; donations made to
MusicFriends will be used towards large-scale awareness programs
for the importance of music education. As National Presenting
Sponsor, the Jeep brand has mobilized a patriotic- themed Jeep
Liberty and Jeep Grand Cherokee that are traveling with the tour.
And because Jeep is the only "go anywhere, do anything" brand,
attendees will have the opportunity to have their picture taken "on
the moon," behind a static space suit, in one of the most patriotic
images in American history. For more information about how to get
involved and support the NAP and school music education, please
visit http://www.thenationalanthemproject.org/. About the Jeep
Brand The Jeep brand's 65-year history of legendary capability has
made it synonymous with freedom, adventure, mastery and
authenticity. In 2006, the Jeep brand continues to deliver on its
promise to provide rugged, versatile, innovative four-wheel drive
vehicles with the recently introduced Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Compass,
Jeep Patriot and Jeep Wrangler 4-door Unlimited. This expansion of
the Jeep brand grows its showroom from three to seven sport utility
vehicles following last year's introduction of the Jeep Commander.
The other two Jeep vehicles are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep
Liberty. The Jeep Wrangler and Liberty are produced in Toledo,
Ohio. DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Jodi Tinson,
+1-248-512-2944, , or Jeff Ormond, +1-248-649-8000, , both of
Chrysler Group Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.thenationalanthemproject.org/
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