When I first saw the Commentary (The World, May 6) about the Spanish language version of our national anthem and the question, “What's Language got to do with it?” my initial reaction was to reply, “Everything!”

Then as I thought more about it, I concluded that what I should do is thank The World for printing it.

Not everyone is aware that this was done and that the words had been corrupted by several more versions than what was printed. I hope its printing has further solidified readers thinking of it as it has mine.

Although I don't plan on burning down any foreign embassies as was done in some Mideast countries when a Danish paper printed cartoons about the Prophet Mohammed, there may be a similarity between that occurrence and this.

I believe other nationalities may sing it in their own language in their own countries, but ask that they use their language translation of the original words correctly from Francis Scott Key's four-stanza poem he wrote on Sept. 14, 1814. If they don't, it certainly is not “The Star Spangled Banner.”

In the United States, may it always be officially sung with the correct words and only in English. That is the language we speak in the United States. The song tells of our flag that represents this country that millions of our citizens fought and died to defend. Neither the song, nor the flag should ever be desecrated by those citizens who have pledged their allegiance to the United States of America.

Val Don Hickerson

Bandon