On one occasion I was speaking to about 300 people at a convention in Provo, Utah. My topic was “The Pursuit of Happiness—Thomas Jefferson.” I had 55 minutes to tell about Thomas Jefferson’s life and accomplishments. Needless to say, I only got to the highlights.

Afterwards a very kind lady came up to visit with me for a minute and thank me for my address. She introduced herself as a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. She went on to tell me about a choir tour that she was a part of. The Choir toured, visited and sang at some important places involved in U.S. History.

One of these places happened to be the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. Most of the Choir members were assembled there and stood together in awe of that beautiful Memorial.

Just then, one of the Choir members spontaneously suggested that they needed to sing on the steps. So they did. They broke out in an a cappella rendition of “America the Beautiful”.

A park ranger, who had been nearby, approached the chorister and asked if they had received an authorization or permission to sing in a Federal Park? No they hadn’t, they just enjoyed the atmosphere and wanted to sing to show their admiration for that great Founding Father.

“Well,” said the ranger, “that’s not allowed without authorization. I’m going to have to give you a citation, a ticket!”

As he began writing up the citation his supervisor, who had overheard the conversation, came up to him. The supervisor said something like: “Tear up that citation, Harvey. Do you not know this is America’s Choir? They can sing in any Federal Park without prior approval at any time!”

With that the crowd that had assembled in the mean time, all applauded! The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Sometimes known as America’s Choir.