On a sunny Friday, May 26th, the renowned Rushingbrook Children’s Choir embarked on a journey from South Carolina to the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Their visit was poised to be a harmonious celebration of patriotism, but it quickly turned into a disheartening episode that left the nation questioning its values.
Led by their enthusiastic choir director, David Rasbach, and organized by Micah Rea, these young talents had a dual purpose for their Capitol visit. Firstly, they had a scheduled tour of the Capitol, showcasing their eagerness to learn about the heart of American democracy. Secondly, and more importantly, they had prior approval to fill the hallowed halls of Statuary Hall with their angelic voices, singing a couple of beloved patriotic songs.
Yet, instead of a warm welcome, the children were met with an unexpected halt. Their rendition of the National Anthem was abruptly interrupted, leading to a bewildering scene that unfolded before our eyes.
It was deemed a “demonstration” by Capitol authorities, despite the endorsement of South Carolina Congressmen Joe Wilson and William Timmons, who had helped secure prior approval for the performance. It was a disheartening moment when these young, hopeful voices were stifled in their pursuit of celebrating their nation’s spirit.
The moment a children's choir singing at the #uscapitol was told to stop singing the U.S. National Anthem during the second verse. They had been given permission to sing prior to a higher up deciding our nation's anthem in our nation's capitol was offensive.
No, seriously, when… pic.twitter.com/ygHnB4gjQ5— The Overton Report (@overton_the) May 26, 2023
Micah Rea, who had meticulously organized the event, was disheartened but resolute in his belief that they had the green light to sing in Statuary Hall. He stated, “We set it up; email was approved in the Speaker’s office with three Congressional offices.” Rea further emphasized that Speaker McCarthy himself had given them permission to sing, and Capitol police officers who accompanied them were aware of this approval.
David Rasbach, the choir director, recounted the moment when their voices were silenced. He explained, “And she [the Capitol police officer] said ‘we can’t let you continue.’ I said, ‘why not?’ And she said, ‘this is considered a demonstration, and we don’t allow demonstrations inside the Capitol.'” Rasbach, visibly perturbed, defended the choir’s innocence, stating, “This is not a demonstration. This is simply a group of children singing the National Anthem.”
Despite the officers’ refusal, Congressman William Timmons took to Twitter to express his disappointment, saying, “These children were welcomed by the Speaker’s office to joyfully express their love of this Nation while visiting the Capitol, and we are all very disappointed to learn their celebration was cut short.”
The controversy deepened when the Capitol police issued a statement claiming the children did not have permission to sing, contradicting the accounts of the choir and the supporting congressmen. According to their statement, the children were allowed to complete their rendition because of their age, but they accused the accompanying congressional staff member of lying about obtaining permission.
In response to this disheartening incident, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated to support the young choir members. The campaign highlights the personal sacrifices made by each individual involved and expresses gratitude to Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, Congressman Joe Wilson, Congressman William Timmons, and Congressman Russell Fry for their support.
This episode has ignited a nationwide debate about the freedom to express patriotism in the very heart of democracy. It leaves us with lingering questions about the values we hold dear and the need to protect the rights of young voices who want to sing their love for this great nation.
As we reflect on this incident, we must remember that these children represent the future of America, and their voices deserve to be heard, celebrated, and protected, especially when they choose to sing the anthem that unites us all.