Have you been searching for an alternate way to show your patriotism? Well then, there is an exhibit that may just inspire you.

Fred Waring and Patriotism is the latest addition to Fred Waring's America, a collection of memorabilia located on the third floor of West Pattee, which is part of a Special Collection of the University Libraries. It is in the exhibit case outside of the archive area, which is outside
room 313.

Waring was a renowned showman and choral conductor for nearly 70 years, and his career began and ended here at Penn State. He and his singing group, the Pennsylvanians, used patriotic songs in their stage, television and radio shows.

Waring was born in 1900 in Tyrone, Pa., and in 1919 he enrolled at Penn State. Peter Kiefer, the coordinator of Fred Waring's America, also worked for Waring for 30 years, and he said that Waring began his career at Penn State by trying out for the glee club three times.

"He didn't make it," Kiefer said. "A lot of people think that was the incentive to go out and make it."

During World War II, Waring wrote 32 songs for the armed services. He later served his alma mater as a trustee and Distinguished Alumnus.

Included in the exhibit case is the album America, I Hear You Singing, which also features Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.

"Fred Waring and Bing Crosby did a couple singles in the '40s," Kiefer said. "Bing and Fred were both avid golfers."

Waring also conducted workshops at Penn State in his later years, and in 1984, the same year he died, he designated Penn State to house his collection of archives and memorabilia.

"He signed the letter of intent two weeks before he died," Kiefer said.

Fred Waring and Patriotism includes some of the patriotic albums he made during his career. He had a total of eight albums comprised of 50 songs. Also on display is the tablature to "My America," which was known as his "love song to America."