Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe WASHINGTON, March 13 (UPI) -- The National Anthem Project has started a multi-year effort to teach or re-teach U.S. adults and children "The Star-Spangled Banner. The national education campaign is being led by the National Association for Music Education with first lady Laura Bush serving as honorary chairwoman. Advertisement The campaign was initiated following a Harris Poll that showed two of three Americans don't know the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" and many are unaware of the historical events that inspired the penning of the song. This startling statistic prompted the National Association for Music Education, the world's largest arts education association, to spearhead the project and underscore the importance of school music programs, since that is where most Americans learn the national anthem and other patriotic songs. The campaign will include education initiatives in U.S. schools, special performances and alliances with professional sporting events, and an extensive marketing tour stopping in cities nationwide.
