Pacifist Indiana college picks anthem replacement

GOSHEN, Ind. – A small northern Indiana college that decided to stop playing the national anthem at sporting events will play "America the Beautiful" instead.

Goshen College President Jim Brenneman says "America the Beautiful" is a better fit with the pacifist traditions of the Mennonite Church-affiliated school.

Leaders of the 1,000-student college decided in June to quit playing an instrumental version "The Star-Spangled Banner" after starting to do so for the first time last year. Some students and graduates opposed the playing of the song because it references using war to defend the country.

Brenneman says "America the Beautiful" will start being played this fall. He says it's an appropriate alternative because it honors the country and sports fans know the song that's already played at many professional baseball games and other events.