National anthem a 1st for Goshen College

[rug]

GOSHEN, Ind. — Goshen College made history today when the national anthem – an instrumental version — poured out of the loudspeaker at its baseball complex shortly after 1 p.m.

It was the first time this Mennonite college has played the patriotic tune. It was long shunned — and is still shunned by many Mennonites — because the lyrics are described by some as glorifying war.

Tiny wooden grandstands were packed with more than 100 fans, a mix of students and adults. Most of them stood during the playing of the anthem — about a dozen remained seated and at least one booed during the song.

Some students painted American flags on their chest while three members of an off-campus group came dressed in black with black crosses painted on their forehead. “This is a sign of mourning,” Nekeisha Alexis-Baker said about the cross.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20100323/LOCAL/100323025/Historic-first-for-Goshen-College-plays-national-anthem