At a Varsity Basketball game in Manahawkin, NJ (Southern Regional), the audience was pleasantly surprised when Clark Harris, a Cincinnati Bengals player and former student of the school, walked onto the court with his 2-year-old son, Trent. The young boy then began an adorable performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” alongside his father.
Initially nervous, Trent muttered the first line of the song. However, as he gained confidence with the second line, his father quietly stepped off the court, allowing Trent to continue singing on his own, capturing the attention of the crowd.
Trent impressed everyone with his rendition, including the tricky line about the “rocket’s red glare.” The audience laughed as he reached the part describing the “bombs bursting in the air.”
Though singing the National Anthem is challenging, especially for a toddler in front of a large audience, Trent performed wonderfully. He must have practiced extensively at home, as he not only remembered the lyrics but also overcame any stage fright. His parents must have been as proud as the audience, who cheered him on.