http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_85485.asp

Singing National Anthem In English Unanimously Approved
posted May 9, 2006

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander Tuesday announced that Monday night the Senate unanimously approved his resolution affirming that the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States should be recited or sung in English.

Senate Democrats had been objecting to passage of the resolution since its introduction on May 1, but last night the objection was dropped and the resolution, cosponsored by 12 Republican senators, was approved by unanimous consent.

“Americans instinctively understand that while diversity is important, unity is more precious,” Sen. Alexander said. “That is why we pledge allegiance to an American flag instead of the flags of the countries from which our forefathers immigrated, why the principles we debate are found in our founding documents, why we give rights to individuals rather than to groups, and why we honor our common language, English.

“This is not about what we are free to do; it is about what we ought to do. At the opening of the Senate each day, or at a football game, or at a Boy or Girl Scout meeting, we are free to sing or say our national symbols in any language we please, but we ought to sing and say them in our common language, English,” he added.

Sen. Alexander’s resolution states:

“Therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate affirms that statements or songs that symbolize the unity of the Nation, including the National Anthem, the Oath of Allegiance sworn by new United States citizens, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States, should be recited or sung in English, the common language of the United States.”