Recently the Public Opinion published an article “Another View” by Colin Fleming entitled, “National Anthem doesn’t belong in sports.”
I have lived in a time where the National Anthem was played at all movie theaters, also where both the American and state flags were displayed. My husband served 21 years in the Army and I have a grandson on active duty, a grandson-in-law in the reserves, brothers who also served in the reserves, plus other family members who served in the military. There are millions of patriotic families like mine in the country. We all love hearing the “Star-Spangled Banner” played at sporting events, parades etc.
Yes, to some it could be valued as a sacred rite, others a privilege and for those veterans who view sports and can no longer stand for the National Anthem it represents their heroic sacrifice.
The article by Colin Fleming was offensive not only to the active military but to their families, veterans and the majority of the people in this great land. The players on the sports teams who kneel during the National Anthem seem ungrateful for the sacrifices made by those who respect and stand for the National Anthem. They probably never studied history in school, including Colin Fleming.
Our patriotic song was written by Frances Scott Key on September 14, 1814, during the War of 1812 with Great Britain and was adopted by Congress as the National Anthem in 1931. It was written while the British bombarded Ft. McHenry at Baltimore. During the night of September 13-14 the British fired about 1,800 bombs, rockets and shells at Ft. McHenry some 400 landing inside; four soldiers were killed and 24 wounded. When the sun came up at Fort McHenry our flag was still flying. Key’s poem was first known as “The Defense of Fort McHenry.” It was overwhelmingly popular and was named the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
With the start of the Civil War the “Star-Spangled Banner” became a popular song. A drive during World War I was started by Congress to make it the official anthem for the American Armed Forces. Other songs were considered for the National Anthem, “America the Beautiful” and “Yankee Doodle.” President Herbert Hoover signed legislation on March 3,1931 making the “Star-Spangled Banner” our National Anthem. The anthem has four verses, all of them end with the line. “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
Playing the National Anthem is not a form of entertainment, it is a patriotic way to introduce an American sporting event. To most it is a reality where one can focus on the fact that we are here because of the sacrifice others made. It also instills pride and respect for one’s country while remembering those who served and are serving. If one will notice after the National Anthem is played there seems to be an overall calm, then a renewed enthusiasm before the sporting event. Soldiers hearing the “Star-Spangled Banner” played before their favorite sporting event while serving in a foreign land once again realize their purpose, protect and defend the United States of America, because that’s where their heart is.
Mr. Colin Fleming should focus on something more meaningful for our country. For those sports people who kneel, find another way to protest. When you are kneeling visualize those military men and women (black, red, yellow and white) who can no longer stand or kneel because of their sacrifice so you play the game. Remember freedom is not free. Where is your patriotism? Respect the flag of The United States of America and the Star-Spangled Banner. This represents your freedom and so much more.
(Consider me a true Patriot and God Bless America)