School Apologizes for Nazi Display by Band

Wednesday, October 1, 2003

(9:15 AM ET)

Reuters

DALLAS, Tx
The Paris, Texas, school district apologized Tuesday for a performance by one of its marching bands which played an Adolf Hitler anthem and waved a Nazi flag during a football halftime show.

Band director Charles Grissom said the song and flag were part of a musical performance called "Visions of World War II." It was performed at a Dallas high school Friday, which was also Rosh Hashana, the start of the Jewish new year and one of the holiest days on the Jewish calendar.

"The performance is an attempt to factually portray the history of World War II, triumph of good over evil, and to honor our veterans for their sacrifices in ensuring freedom throughout the world," Grissom said in a statement. He added later that he made a major mistake in judgment.

The performance was greeted by heavy boos at the Hillcrest High School in Dallas, and several objects were hurled at the band.

The show included the flags of other nations fighting in World War II, such as France, Britain, the United States and Japan. The flags were waved twice as a musical selection from each country was played.

The Paris school district issued an apology to Hillcrest High and to the Dallas school district, said Paul Trull, the superintendent of Paris schools.

"We regret there was a misunderstanding. We strive to be sensitive to the feelings of others and are always willing to amend our actions when we fall short," Trull said.

The band will still perform the musical composition but it will only have the United States flag on display, he said.

Paris, Texas is located about 100 miles northeast of Dallas.
(Source: Netscape Network News)
2003 © Reuters, Ltd.

There was no reason for that apology. The halftime show was obviously a historical re-enactment, and nothing more. It is possible that the show might have been better received had it not occurred during Rosh Hashanah, but then again it might not. We’re dealing with a different mentality, and the display might have been better received had it been previewed at a school concert, rather than unexpectedly unfurled at a football game.

Dan