DENVER (KWGN) — The State of the City address Tuesday started with all the traditional hallmarks of a civic function.
The Pledge of Allegiance, the presentation of the colors.
And then Rene Marie was introduced to sign the national anthem.
Instead of the "Star-Spangled Banner,", the crowd heard "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," sometimes called the "Black National Anthem," first sung as a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday 108-years ago.
Marie sang the lyrics to the tune of the "Star-Spangled Banner."
Mayor John Hickenlooper says, at first, he was offended.
"We were as surprised as anyone and she didn't tell anyone, she made this decision with her husband, her musical mentor and decided just to do an artistic expression and she kind of wove the two songs together," he said....
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