Mrs. Missouri America Pageant

One of the most significant moments in our nation's history happened during the War of 1812 and is told through the poem of one man, Francis Scott Key. On the night of September 13, 1814, Key watched as our country was attacked by the British Navy at Fort McHenry. After watching the rockets' red glare and bombs bursting in air, Key was expecting to find Baltimore burned by the British, but was stunned to see the American flag raised at sunrise as the British ships retreated. So inspiring was the sight that Key began to pen what was to become our National Anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Today, many Americans are unaware of this legacy. In fact, two out of three Americans don't know all of the words to "The Star Spangled Banner" and many more aren't sure which song is our National Anthem. After years of budget cuts to school music programs, American patriotism is becoming silenced as students lose access to historical lessons and tales of our history through the teaching of patriotic songs..

The National Association for Music Education (MENC) has launched the National Anthem Project to renew national awareness of American traditions, promote the significance and history of the anthem, and commemorate the Smithsonian's efforts to preserve the Star-Spangled Banner, the actual flag that inspired our National Anthem. We are going to re-teach America to sing the National Anthem and take pride in all for which our country stands.

Mrs. America Organization is proud to be a project supporter, along with other companies and organizations such as DaimlerChrysler, the Jeep® brand, A&E Networks and The History Channel, The Disney Company, MBNA America, Gibson Guitars, and the National Basketball Association, among others.

You can learn more about the National Anthem Project at www.tnap.org

The National Anthem Project Roadshow

The National Anthem Project rolls into communities across the entire continental United States and Alaska throughout 2006, bringing the campaign to restore America's voice through music education to you.

We are excited to be a part of this event, with our local National Anthem Performance Contest. Local contestants will have the opportunity to perform the National Anthem on stage for a local audience, and all finalists will be spotlighted on a special float during the Mrs. Missouri Parade in April, 2006. Selected winners will have the opportunity to compete for scholarships and a chance to participate in the campaign's finale event in Washington, D.C. in 2007. Stay tuned for more information about our local event! For contest rules and more information about the Road Show, please visit www.tnap.org/roadshow.html