Purple+Mountain+Majesties

//Younger, Purple Mountain Majesties, America the Beautiful, Katherine Lee Bates//

By: Barbara Younger
 * Purple Mountain Majesties**

Katherine Lee Bates was more than just a world traveler. She created one of the biggest and iconic songs in our nation's history. Through her travels, she documented her findings, the country's sites and made wonderful memories of America's lands.

Towards the end of the book, "Purple Mountain Majesties," we read that the song became quite popular among American people. People came from all over the country to meet Bates and talk to her about her work. But we find out that when congress set out to select a National Anthem, they ruled on The Star-Spangled Banner.

If you were a member of Congress, what would you choose? Your assignment is to take on the role of a Congress member. You choose what song you would want to serve as the National Anthem. Pretend that you are a modern day Congress member. You have the right to choose. Write a letter declaring your opinion and support it with great details. Why are you choosing the song that you are? You may choose another song besides the two mentioned in the book, but just be sure to back up your opinion with supporting details. What song best signifies America? You choose!

Your letter should be addressed, "To Whom it May Concern," and should be 1-2 pages. At least three supporting ideas should be located in your writing. Good luck!