Wouldn't you find this Offensive?

The fact that they decided to spring that on the Legion tells me they were trying to make a point, and that they used the Legion as patsies in their publicity stunt. I'd be a tad resentful myself.

The Pledge of Allegiance is written in English, just like the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. If you're really serious about pledging allegiance to our flag and the nation for which it stands, why not do it in the language in which our founding documents are written?

I'm assuming that the Pledge was recited in Spanish because the school was predominantly Hispanic. No, I don't find the recital of the Pledge in any other language offensive. I know why the people at the American Legion would probably say they were offended, but I don't agree with them. I never understood why just because our national language is English, it is a terrible offense to have another language be a prominent force in our society. Many other countries teach English as a second language....why are we so closed minded?

I think it should be said in English as the primary language at one time was English in this Country not Spanish. I can see why they were offended as if you travel into Spain, Italy, France, or any other country they do not put there language second to put English first. You want to work or live there you need to learn how to speak the language. In America we do not have the same standards soon English will be a second language here and we all will need to learn to speak Spanish.

God Bless America

If the Legion folks were offended, it was probably because they felt that their appearance had been used to create a publicity stunt unrelated to the intentions with which they had provided their services in the past and had agreed to appear again.

They were guests at the school, and it is impolite to spring surprises on guests. Nobody likes to feel as if they were tricked into furthering someone else's agenda, and members of the American Legion tend to be pretty independent individuals.

Reciting the pledge in both languages would have been a better idea, and the best would have been to unofficially and casually drop the word beforehand that this would happen and, perhaps, why. It is only human nature to react against what can be perceived as "too much too soon" or attempts to control thoughts and behaviors.

Those individuals (Legion) did not wish their own freedom of choice regarding participation to be usurped, which is fair enough. This is the issue, not like or dislike of Spanish or any other language.

EDIT: If there was no law stating that the Pledge was to only be recited in English, the issue was a matter of personal choice as far as participation. Etiquette and diplomacy would have ensured that the individuals present would be informed and allowed to choose.

The school was free to toss out diplomacy and etiquette, to do what it did, and risk offending its guests. And the guests certainly had the right to be offended, to protest, and to refuse to revisit the school.

The end result of this stunt? None of the kids get to experience the flag raising and lowering ceremony as they had before. Dumb.

*****PS: Personally in this case, I would have respected the opinions of the Legion members. Not only were they guests, but US veterans choosing to still serve their country by performing this ceremony at schools. Their proven record of promoting American interests wins out in my book, but that's my opinion, not the law.

Why would that be offensive when Spanish is the second most spoken language in America? I don't understand what is wrong with Americans today...why is everyone so close-minded when it comes to sharing cultures? Why can't we just appreciate the diverse and wonderful nation this is and move on with more serious issues? What's wrong with a country when they can't show tribute to a community that has only helped make us great? How dare Americans sit here and deny access to immigrants and their cultures, languages and customs when they themselves are not native to this land, but whom were lucky that their grandparents or their grandparents' moms and dads moved here from far away lands many years ago? Most of this country is very ill-mannered in the way they act towards people of other cultures; we had better be careful in our dealings...one day we could need their help! For example...ever seen the movie: The Day After Tomorrow, scary huh? WAKE UP AMERICA, I'm almost ashamed of what has become of us.

Although I'm a Latin guy, I think some stuff like that should be preserved the way they were always done. I mean, the official language of the US is English, so it should be done in English ALWAYS. For real, it should never be done in Spanish because it is like breaking the tradition itself. I know I'd be pissed if the Bolivian Anthem would be sung in English or any other language than Spanish.

well I would not be offended if they also said it in english. sometimes i think to many people want to be haters and find reasons to dislike others or prove some people are unamerican. i know i have a mother in law from mexico who raised her boys in the us as americans (there father was in the army) and couldn't be more american yet it would mean so much to her to hear the pledge in spanish not because she loves mexico but because she loves america and could fully understand the words and the meaning behind them. Although she speaks english and can read english the older she gets the harder it is for her to remember english since spanish is her native language. She would love to feel included and involved. Maybe I am wrong and there shouldn't be considerations for others but I choose to believe that america is a melting pot and should include others.

I think people forget that we are a land of immigrants. The main reason the U.S. DOES NOT HAVE AN OFFICIAL STATE LANGUAGE is that we all originated from all parts of the world with many different languages spoken. I think it's very narrow minded of the American Legion not to realize this and that the school should not allow them on their property with their prejudices.

For those above, American is not a language. There has been thousands of Americans who have died fighting for this country where English was not their primary language. It is not patriotism to demand that immigrants speak the Pledge in English, it is ignorance and arrogance.

The pledge should never be done in spanish. If someone doesn't understan it in English, it should be translated quietly as a last result. My opinion is if you are going to live in this country, learn the language. I would expect it to be the same if I as a US citizen were to live abraod. Learn the language.

I could see how the legion could find it offensive. They are raising an American flag, couldn't they at least say our pledge in English? I'll take the American Legion's side on this one.