Great National Anthem Moments in Sports History



As MENC prepares to launch the National Anthem Project tomorrow... here are some Anthem Sports Highlights:

The National Anthem Project, a multi- year effort to re-teach Americans "The Star-Spangled Banner," launches March 10 in Washington, D.C. Led by the National Association for Music Education (MENC) with the Jeep® brand as the national presenting sponsor, the nation's music educators compiled this list of "The Top Five Favorite/Most Memorable National Anthem Moments in Sports History."

What are your favorites? Log on to http://www.thenationalanthemproject.org and give us your top sports national anthem moments to round out the list and see opinions from around the country posted on line.


1. 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 the highlight of the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. The
image of Owens holding up his medal as "The Star-Spangled Banner"
played continues to inspire American pride today.

2. The U.S. Hockey Team at the 1980 Winter Olympics
Draped in the American flag, 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.

3. 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).

4. Portland Coach Maurice Cheeks Saves the Moment in 2003 NBA Playoffs
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.

5. 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.

Posted: Wed - March 9, 2005 at 05:22 PM       Email Feedback

©