LA_MERC_th33_r00k
July 31st, 2008, 04:09 PM
I just recieved this from the Mayor's office in Denver.
Every year, the State of the City event includes the presentation of flags by a Department of Safety color guard, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of the national anthem. Every year, we invite a local vocalist to sing the Star-Spangled Banner. No compensation is ever provided for this service.
This year, we invited renowned local jazz vocalist Rene Marie. She had recently concluded a leading role in a local musical and had built an impressive resume of musical accomplishments profiled by local media.
At some point between accepting our invitation to sing the Star-Spangled Banner and taking the microphone on stage yesterday, Ms. Marie made a private and personal choice to substitute alternative lyrics and deliberately chose to withhold her plans from event organizers. While the lyrics in and of themselves were not problematic, they were not what the audience was expecting, not what we had asked her to perform, and not what the occasion required. The singing of alternative lyrics to the tune of – and in place of – the national anthem has understandably caused distressed for many in our community.
The Mayor was as surprised as everyone else by the change of the events. In hindsight, many of those on stage wish they had taken to the microphone to lead the audience in singing the Star-Spangled Banner. Indeed, if that is what it takes to prevent this from ever happening again, we will do so.
When he called Ms. Marie on Tuesday afternoon to ask what had happened, she explained that her song was an artistic expression of her love for our country. She said she intended no disrespect to our City or our nation. Unfortunately, since then, her interviews with the media have conveyed different content and tone. While we cannot speak to her intentions, it’s now fair to say the City was deceived.
Her actions showed a lack of understanding for how strongly our community feels about patriotic symbols and traditions, and overshadowed a day of great importance for Denver. It saddens and frustrates us that the resulting media focus and community controversy has deprived our City employees and our community-at-large of the opportunity to have their collective accomplishments celebrated. It saddens and frustrates us that many in our community and workforce felt disrespected by an event that aims to strengthen community pride and spirit.
Given the volume of questions we have received about Rene Marie’s decision, she invited those calling and e-mailing to contact her directly at 303-520-6705 or
[email protected].