Montclair Students Learn About National Anthem At Yogi Berra Museum

MONTCLAIR, NJ — About 75 fifth-graders at Bradford School in Montclair learned the significance of the America’s 202-year-old national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” during a recent visit to the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center.

According to a museum news release, the students joined three million of their peers for a nationwide sing-a-long of the anthem on Sept. 9, part of the fourth annual National Anthem Movement, created by the American Public Education Foundation.

The students learned how and why Francis Scott Key penned his famous poem, inspired by the American efforts to repel the British bombardment of Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812, museum staff stated.

Though the students weren't born before the events of Sept. 11, 2001, they learned how the anthem has become a unifying force in the United States, as well as part of America’s national sporting identity.

"No matter what controversies, I think the students gained an appreciation of what the anthem truly means - that our country will never forget the sacrifices and freedom," Museum Director Dave Kaplan said. "Everyone has the freedom to protest, but it's important to think critically about the words that do indeed bring us together."

Photo: Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center

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