Red Cross apologizes for ban on patriotic songs

SANTA ANA, Calif. — The Red Cross issued an apology after its Orange County, Calif., chapter turned away a high school singing group from a volunteer recognition event because the group’s medley of patriotic songs included the words “God” and “prayer.”

The March 11 statement insists that the decision was based on the “fundamental principles” of the American Red Cross: “humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntarism, unity and  universality.” The group says, “We certainly did not intend to hurt or offend anyone” by applying those principles.

The apology came after the Red Cross was inundated with hundreds of phone calls and e-mails, many from people threatening to stop supporting the group financially.