Great National Anthem Moments in Sports History

Great National Anthem Moments in Sports History

From the National Association for Music Education (MENC), Sponsor of The National Anthem Project: Restoring America's Voice

WASHINGTON, March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- 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(R) 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.

Media Contact: Grant Deady 312-396-9734 grant.deady@zenogroup.com

Source: National Association for Music Education (MENC)

CONTACT: Grant Deady for MENC, +1-312-396-9734, grant.deady@zenogroup.com

Web site: http://www.thenationalanthemproject.org/

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