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Do most people really know the words to the national anthem?

A national poll says two of every three Americans don't know the words to the national anthem. Our local unscientific survey shows similar results

Date published: 7/4/2005

By CATHY DYSON

OST PEOPLE get as far as the part about "broad stripes and bright stars," then fizzle like a spent sparkler on a steamy summer night.

Others don't even want to try.

Some swear they've never sung the song before, or that they've forgotten the few words they used to know.

And many are like Dottie Truslow, principal of Margaret Brent Elementary School in Stafford County.

When asked to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," she cut a look that said "You've got to be kidding" and responded: "Yeah, right. I don't sing in the shower, much less in front of people."

It's probably the same tone she'd take if a third-grader asked to run through the hallways with scissors.

Good thing others were more willing to participate in our silly survey.

In honor of the Fourth of July, we asked a number of people in the Fredericksburg area if they know the words to our national anthem. Few breezed through the song as easily as Sheryl Harrison, a kindergarten teacher. As she splashed in the water of the Curtis Park pool--with red and blue fingernails decorated with white stars--she started with, "Oh, say, can you see," and sang through to "the home of the brave."

She's 42 and believes her "level of patriotism" is typical of her age.

"I also stand and do the pledge and put my hand over my heart."

Meanwhile, 9-year-old Brett McGuire of Fredericksburg was at Curtis Park for a skateboarding camp. His experiences with patriotic songs haven't been as moving.

"I know what you're talking about," he said, "but no, I've never sung it. I've never heard it in school."

Results of our unscientific poll mirror a 2004 survey by Harris Interactive, which said nearly two of every three Americans don't know the national anthem.

Some administrators with the National Association for Music Education blame the lack of knowledge on cuts in school music programs.

Elementary music classes are usually where youngsters learn patriotic songs, said John Mahlmann, executive director of the national group.

"When these programs are cut we're not simply depriving our children of music, but hindering the teaching of our nation's history and heritage," Mahlmann said on the organization's Web site.

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Date published: 7/4/2005