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For the rest of the story:national anthem surprise
Subbed anthem lyrics draw some red glares
By Christopher N. Osher
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 07/02/2008 11:26:47 AM MDT
As Denver dignitaries gathered Tuesday for Mayor John Hickenlooper's State of the City address, City Council president Michael Hancock introduced singer Rene Marie to perform the national anthem.
But that's not what she did.
Instead, Marie performed the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which also is known as the "black national anthem."
She sang the words to the tune of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
The proceedings then continued, without the customary singing of the national anthem, leaving some in the audience bewildered.
Marie said she made the change without informing the mayor's office, which had expected her to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner."
"I pulled a switcheroonie on them," Marie said later.
She explained that she decided months ago to switch the lyrics because she will no longer sing the national anthem...
"There is no substitute for the national anthem," Brown said. "I was shocked. It just puts everyone in an awkward position."
Subbed anthem lyrics draw some red glares - The Denver Post
