By Elizabeth Wulfhorst
Holmdel’s new superintendent added his voice to the discourse around the national anthem in an unusual manner. Superintendent Robert McGarry, a musician and former music educator led the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” Friday night before the Holmdel-Spotswood football game at the district’s Roggy Field.
According to McGarry, the anthem is typically played by the school band at football games, but, responding to an invitation from Head Football Coach Jeff Rainess, McGarry agreed to sing the song instead.
Citing the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Social Studies, McGarry believes the national anthem is an “historical symbol” and the ideas around patriotism and the events it represents play a role in “understanding and evaluating our history.”
He reflected on the timeliness of the invitation, noting that September 14 is recognized as National Anthem Day, commemorating the day in 1814 that Francis Scott Key authored the lyrics.
“Current events around the anthem have provided educators with an excellent opportunity to engage students in thinking about the essential question of the study of civics, government and human rights,” McGarry said, alluding to the national conversation over some professional football players kneeling during the anthem.
McGarry was quick to point out that Coach Rainess had not expressed any issues within his team over the anthem, but simply thought having the song sung instead of played would be a nice change.
Performing in front of a crowd wasn’t an issue for McGarry who has sung the national anthem before –most recently at Holmdel’s Battle of the Faculties, a friendly competition among staff members supported by the students.
He rehearsed to get used to singing on an open field and noted that those practicing on the field during his rehearsal stopped and stood quietly out of respect.
Fans who attended the game also showed their respect during his rendition of the anthem. “I think having someone standing on the 50- yard line singing was different for the fans,” said McGarry and he believes everyone enjoyed it.
