Legislators in Alabama believe it’s important for public school students to hear the U.S. national anthem regularly in the classroom.

A bill requiring the weekly broadcast of the Star-Spangled Banner in Alabama’s K-12 public schools passed the Alabama Senate Tuesday by a vote of 22-5.

Introduced by State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa), the legislation is a statewide constitutional amendment that would require local boards of education to adopt policies requiring the first stanza of the Star-Spangled Banner to be played in public K-12 schools once each week.

“The Star-Spangled Banner reminds us who we are as Americans,” Allen said. “When you hear it, you think about the sacrifices that were made for our freedom and the pride we all feel in this country. Our children should grow up hearing that message and understanding what it means so the next generation appreciates the blessings of living in the United States.”

The bill will now head to the House for consideration. Since it proposes a constitutional amendment, the bill must receive approval from 60 percent of members in both chambers of the Alabama Legislature. If approved by the House, the proposal would be placed on the statewide ballot for voters to consider.

The proposal has been a legislative priority for Allen, who first introduced the legislation last year. He said there is no better time than now as the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding this July.

“Our national anthem carries the story of our country and the sacrifices that built it,” Allen added. “Making sure our students hear it each week helps pass that story on to the next generation.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee