Security Guard Tells School Choir To Stop Singing National Anthem At 9/11 Memorial

A North Carolina middle school choir was silenced by a security guard after they began singing the national anthem at New York City's 9/11 memorial.

According to choir director Martha Brown, another guard had already given the students permission to sing, but a second guard told them to stop.

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They were told a permit is required to perform at the memorial.

Brown told IE: “I was a little shocked and the patriot in me (was) a little bit angry. Once he explained, I understood.”

In a statement, memorial spokeswoman Kaylee Skaar said, "The guard did not respond appropriately. We are working with our security staff to ensure that this does not happen again with future student performances.”

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Brown told IE was "so proud of these students” because they responded to the guard's demand with respect and dignity. 

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