CRESTVIEW — Bonita Clark appreciates residents who publicly honored Saturday's bicentennial anniversary of America’s national anthem.
Around 20 residents gathered at Veterans Memorial Plaza in downtown Crestview to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the “Star-Spangled Banner."
“At least we got some folks (out there) and we participated,” Clark said.
The simultaneous singing of the national anthem took place at 3 p.m. as part of The Smithsonian Institution’s Raise It Up event, which called on citizens to gather and sing Francis Scott Key's anthem on Flag Day.
Attendees also sang a couple of verses from other patriotic favorites, including “My Country 'Tis of Thee” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
Crestview High School chorus director Kevin Lusk and Davidson Middle School chorus director Keitha Bledsoe helped lead the singing. Upbeat Music in Crestview loaned a few musical instruments to assist with the music.
“I love this country,” Clark said. “Being a musician, I think it’s important that everybody be a part of history and to know why we sing the national anthem.”
Bledsoe said honoring the anniversary was important to her.
“Whenever I have an opportunity to hear (the national anthem), I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride," she said.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'OVERWHELMED WITH PRIDE': Crestview residents celebrate national anthem