O Say, Can You Sing, Toledo? National Anthem Project Rolls into Town to Reteach 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

O Say, Can You Sing, Toledo? National Anthem Project Rolls into Town to Reteach 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

- Two out of three Americans don't know the words to the National Anthem

- Jeep(R) brand sponsors multi-year campaign to reteach Americans the words to 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

- Toledo City Council President helps Jeep welcome the National Anthem Project to its hometown

- Public event scheduled for Sunday, July 16 at the Toledo Zoo

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The National Anthem Project, an effort to reteach Americans the words to the "The Star-Spangled Banner" and spotlight school music programs, arrives today in Toledo, Ohio, hometown of the project's National Presenting Sponsor, Jeep(R). The project is part of a year-long, 50-city tour that will visit every state in the country.

Rob Ludeman, Toledo City Council President; Rhonda Shappert, Mrs. Ohio 2005; and Cynthia Sidoti, Toledo Jeep Supplier Park Plant Manager, welcomed the National Anthem Project (NAP) to the City with a press conference at the Toledo Government Center. Central Catholic High School's (Toledo) Acapella Group, singing in four-part harmony, led the audience in a stirring rendition of the national anthem.

"The Jeep brand is about freedom, being able to 'go anywhere and do anything' -- the foundation of this country," said Sidoti. "For more than 64 years, Jeep has been a part of the Toledo community, so we are pleased to host the National Anthem Project in our hometown."

The NAP will be open to the public on Sunday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Toledo Zoo, one of only two stops the tour will make in Ohio. Later in the evening, the NAP will help open Music Under the Stars, featuring the Toledo Symphony.

America Is Losing Its Voice

Created by the National Association for Music Education (MENC), the NAP is a multi-year national education initiative to reteach Americans the national anthem after a Harris Poll showed that two out of three Americans don't know the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner." The Jeep brand signed on to be the National Presenting Sponsor, building upon its 65-year heritage and role in U.S. history. First Lady Laura Bush serves as Honorary Chairperson.

National Anthem Project in Toledo

The local stop includes a singing contest and concert on Sunday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater. Attendees during Sunday's event will enjoy a concert featuring students from Byrnedale (Toledo) Junior High School and interactive activities that teach about the historical significance of the National Anthem.

Aspiring performers also have the opportunity to prove their singing skills in the NAP All-Star Contest, in which one winner from each state will be awarded a $1,000 donation to his/her local music program and given the opportunity to perform at a concert in Washington, D.C. in 2007. Attendees also will be able to support their local school music programs by joining MusicFriends, a non-profit music advocacy group; donations made to MusicFriends will be used towards large-scale awareness programs for the importance of music education.

As National Presenting Sponsor, the Jeep brand has mobilized a patriotic- themed Jeep Liberty and Jeep Grand Cherokee that are traveling with the tour. And because Jeep is the only "go anywhere, do anything" brand, attendees will have the opportunity to have their picture taken "on the moon," behind a static space suit, in one of the most patriotic images in American history.

For more information about how to get involved and support the NAP and school music education, please visit http://www.thenationalanthemproject.org/.

About the Jeep Brand

The Jeep brand's 65-year history of legendary capability has made it synonymous with freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity. In 2006, the Jeep brand continues to deliver on its promise to provide rugged, versatile, innovative four-wheel drive vehicles with the recently introduced Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Wrangler 4-door Unlimited.

This expansion of the Jeep brand grows its showroom from three to seven sport utility vehicles following last year's introduction of the Jeep Commander. The other two Jeep vehicles are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty.

The Jeep Wrangler and Liberty are produced in Toledo, Ohio.

Source: Chrysler Group

CONTACT: Jodi Tinson, +1-248-512-2944, jt658@dcx.com, or Jeff Ormond,
+1-248-649-8000, jormond@stratacomm.net, both of Chrysler Group

Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.thenationalanthemproject.org/

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