I am a long time resident of Farmingdale being raised in this village. Myself, my children and now my grandchildren attend school here. Every school event that I have attended has always started with the Pledge of Allegiance. That is until the last two events I attended.

I have grandchildren attending Woodward Parkway School. On May 22 and again on May 31, 2007, I attended school music concerts for the Woodward Parkway School. These concerts were held at the Farmingdale High School. I was very disturbed that both of the concerts were conducted without the Pledge of Allegiance being recited.

The failure of the music department to be sure the evening was started with the Pledge sets a very poor example for our children. This also reflects very poorly on the entire school district.

George H. Fredericks