It’s Memorial Day, a day when all American’s pause and give praise to those brave souls who have given so much for this great country.

I thought it would be a good time to re-post this item that I wrote during the controversy over the NFL players kneeling during our National Anthem.

 RESPECTING OUR FLAG

 The playing of the National Anthem is not a time for protest. It is not a time to draw attention to yourself or to be used as a platform for any of your personal causes. It’s our National Anthem! It’s the rocket’s red glare….. bombs bursting in air… the song that honors every American who has ever worn the uniform of our country to protect the rights of its citizens….  It is a time to show respect and pride for our country and for our military. It is a time to put our patriotism on display for the whole world to see.

Patriotism comes in many forms, but the very basics begin with respecting our flag and our National Anthem. During the playing of our National Anthem, it is the responsibility of every American to immediately discontinue any conversation, stand, (men take your hat off) place your right hand over your heart (unless you are a veteran, in which case you already know what is proper) and proudly sing along in honor of our country and the men and women who have given so much to earn and maintain our freedom.   It’s a time to thank them for the sacrifices they make every day.

You cannot lay claim to your right of freedom of speech by acting in a manner disrespectful to the men and women who wore the uniform and fought to give you that right. No matter how important your cause may be, disrespecting the traditions inherent with the playing of our National Anthem is not a proper way to call attention to them.