I have to say it--The National Anthem Project Finale was spectacular. Really spectacular. Everything came together so perfectly--the kids, the teachers, the weather, the Oak Ridge Boys, the "President's Own" Marine Band, the VIPs, the press, and the Members of Congress.Articles:
National Anthem Project -- Video of Morning Event
Students sing national anthem at Washington Monument
Singing along to the national song
Hundreds Of Children Commemorate Flag Day
and many more!
The congressional side of things was an adrenaline filled 35 minutes and so I will narrate using a "time line" sequence. But first, let me set the scene.
It was a sunny day that began cloudy with cool and comfortable temperatures. Our heroine, me, decided to bring along a rain coat as the ground was still wet and the clouds had yet to part. Sunscreen was forgotten (my skin saved by HS bringing an extra tube--too bad I missed a spot on my face-now bright red). SKJ was a busy bee flying around as she was one of the event's planners along with EH. HS, new addition to the department, was in charge of the congressional check-in while CW and myself would be escorting the arriving Members of Congress. Senator Larry Craig (ID) was scheduled to speak at the press conference that began at 1:45pm. Representative Dennis Moore (KS) was set to arrive to meet with MENC Past-President David Circle at some point. Representative Jerry Moran was set to arrive to meet with a school group from his district--25 or so kids somewhere in the mass of 5,000 kids--all wearing red shirts.
1:30 pm -- CW calls for update from Craig's office, but unable to reach his contact. A good sign, but contingency plans for teleprompter and Dr. M finalized. All while the Marine Band performs.
1:40 pm -- Craig's office calls and says they are five minutes away. CW and ARN pace nervously and ARN finds back way onto stage for minimal travel time from car.
1:43 pm -- Band finishes two minutes early. Press conference begins! Remainder of MENC staff begin to pace.
1:44 pm -- Craig arrives! CW apologies for rushing the Senator and the kind-hearted Senator says not need to apologize and runs with CW using back path.
1:45 pm -- Craig calmly sits in chair on stage and speaks eloquently a few minutes later. CW and I let out huge sigh of relief. Feet hurt from running in heels.1:48 pm -- Rep. Dennis Moore arrives escorted by blogger EWL. Introductions are made and quiet jollity ensues as Rep. Moore is an old friend of the project.
1:54 pm -- Rep. Moore slips into VIP seating with David Circle.1:58 pm -- Oak Ridge Boys come on stage and make brief comments about the project.
2:00 pm -- Thousands of red t-shirt clad students, parents, teacher, and onlookers sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" together.
2:01 pm -- HS brings Rep. Jerry Moran to stage. I jump a stone wall in a skirt suit to find his students before they leave! Thank goodness CW and I had planned ahead so I knew where they were.
2:02 pm -- Sen. Craig gives comments on camera. CW takes him to see Oaks as they are old friends. Find Kansas students for Rep. Moran before they leave and get them to stay. Student steals teacher's cell phone from his pocket without him noticing.
2:03 pm -- Rep. Moran talks with students and takes pictures in front of the monument.
2:05 pm -- CW makes mad dash to Capitol Hill to facilitate meeting between school group and Senate office.
So while it was only 35 minutes...it was intense! I need to watch the video of the event because I missed most of it running around. And I have to include this picture of Sen. Craig on the left because it's just so great.
It doesn't end there! Today, the school groups are doing patriotic music performances at the national monuments. SKJ is escorting Mrs. America, Marney Duckworth, to go see the different groups and has been so kind as to send me a photo. What an amazing experience for all of the students and teachers!And then tomorrow we have the kids all participating the Drum Corps International competition in Annapolis, Maryland to wrap it all up!
Around the water cooler: Water cooler? Was there a water cooler at the Washington Monument? I must've missed it. A special thank you to ML for my present -- a red, Swingline stapler!!!!
