I've lived a long time now, and I'm privileged to have personally toured many sacred battle sites here on U.S. soil. I've been to Manassas, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Bunker Hill and other places where our forebears fought, spilled blood and died for our country. A number of my direct ancestors fought in the American Revolution, one of whom directly under George Washington. My great-grandfather fought in the Civil War for the Union. I had relatives in both WWI and WWII. My uncle served as an officer during WWII. My stepfather-in-law fought in both WWII and Korea. Two of my best friends lost their lives in Vietnam. I cried while rubbing their names at the Black Wall. I myself was an officer in the U.S. Army.

I was on my high school ROTC color guard which raised the flag every school morning. At the time that "To the colors" was played, all students, teachers and support people faced the flag, hands over their hearts, and remained silent and still until the flag was raised and the bugle call was completed.

What I'm trying to convey is that our Flag MEANS something to me, and when the National Anthem is played, I stand up, and I've earned the right as a veteran to salute while it's played.

At home as boy, my father taught me that whenever I heard the national anthem on radio or TV, I was to stand up and shut up.

To me, there is no conflict between freedom of speech and respect for our country. Both go hand in hand. But practicing one at the same time an enormous respect for the other is called for, but to me, is an obligation, well... now you know how I feel.

We have people serving in the Middle East right now, who have signed on the dotted line that they will give their lives, if necessary, to defend our way of life. A number of them come home in coffins draped with our precious flag.

I'm old and I remember all the sacrifices made by so many for our flag and country.

Here's a picture of my wife and me at Valley Forge. That is George Washington's headquarters in the background.

Please forgive me for sounding off. If you have differing opinions, I understand and I will respect that. You can even burn the flag if you want to. That's a right enshrined in the Constitution I swore to defend. But don't expect me to be thrilled if you do.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Today's educators are teaching our young people zero tolerance,political correctness giving sanctuary and not obeying laws and authority,national pride and patriotism.

News reporting is dominated by making fun of elected officials no matter which group is in power.

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NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

Outstanding, I'm with you all the way.

As a Brit, I have always admired the respect you in the US show for your flag. I think it is rather special and quite wonderful. Here if you ran up the Union Flag, just because, rather than on a special day, you'd be thought a bit odd - though here in Wales, we do get a bit more freedom to fly the Red Dragon any time we like! I really can't and shouldn't comment on the whole take a knee thing, but as a general rule, I think politics and sport are two different things for a reason. I mean I wouldn't want Sam Warburton running the UK, and I sure as hell don't want Theresa May as captain of the Welsh Rugby team!

And obviously, no disrespect intended to anyone who feels differently (not about Sam Warburton!) let's agree to disagree.

My family came to the " new country " between 1600-1630 . His name is documented in the log book for that time period . His descendants fought under General Washington . My family has fought most every major war this country has been involved in . My son is a former Marine , enough said there .
My mother spent years and years doing genealogy , traveling back and forth across the country to document everything . I'm very proud of my heritage for what they fought , and died for to give me what I have today . I love the flag and this country . Those that are unhappy with it --LEAVE and never come back .

People forget that the right to free speech is not a right to make me listen or watch. The media loves controversy and stirring things up at every opportunity. Coverage of sporting events should not be focused on the protests. Train the camera on the flag only as the national anthem is played.

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That's gonna leave a mark.

Dog whistle-look it up

I have a somewhat unique perspective on the flag. I was born in England and delivered in an English hospital and issued a British birth certificate. Even though my dad was an American GI (44-66) upon entering the U.S., I was not declared a citizen.

Later I was allowed to serve in the Air Force including a trip to SEA. After my hitch was up, while possessing out, and after they cut up my ID card, a Major came over and handed me my discharge papers and a small American flag.

He said upon completion of my service, I was automatically granted US citizenship. The flag was from him personally. He thanked me for my service, welcomed me as a citizen and said to make my new country proud (which I have striven to do).

When I see an American flag I am moved as I really feel that I have earned a piece of it.

PS: I still have the flag that was given me.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

I have the right to respect the flag. I also have the right to respect or not respect any person. And I can form my own opinions on the value of pro sports.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I'm going to say this wrong but I am still going to say it.

I pretty much agree with the OP but I still believe people have the right to express themselves and the flag (which I believe they are disrespecting while expressing themselves) understands they have that right as well.

When I see folks taking a knee and hanging their head in prayer or shame when the flag is being honored I am reminded of the saying, "It is better to keep your mouth shut and let people wonder if you are a damned fool than to open it (or in this instance insult the flag) and remove all doubt."

It is not the flag that deserves their demonstations but rather the people who have disgraced this nation by their actions in their daily lives and in most cases wrapped themselves in the flag while doing their terrible actions.

I would like to think that while the flag understands their misguided actions it knows that because of the people who have died for the flag and defended the flag and what it stands for the flag must allow this foolishness to continue. It does weep for the fools however, I believe.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

I'm with you 110%. At least one of my ancestors has served and/or fought for our country in every generation back to the American Revolution, including both sides in the Civil War. My eldest daughter continued this tradition when she served in the U.S. Navy. I have no time for anyone who disrespects our flag and country. I do understand the need to protest social injustice, but I think Kaepernick started barking up the wrong tree when he started this whole thing and included a hallowed tradition in it. I'm a rabid Miami Dolphins fan, or I was until I saw some of them taking a knee a few games into last season. Haven't watched a game since and I won't until these shenanigans come to a screeching halt.

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

I have no use or respect for these overpaid , spoiled , people who in no other country in the world could get filthy rich for playing a game . Most couldn't shine the boots of those who suffered and even died to allow them to leave the life they do. So many live their wealthy lives as a horrible example to our young people

The older I grow,the more difficult it gets to control my emotion when I hear the Anthem or see The Flag as I remember friends I lost in service.

You folks should be writing these thoughts to your local papers; start boycotts if you want the NFL to listen as it is only interested in money. It is a multi-billion dollar organization. Viewership is down, attendance is down, and yet the clowns do not see. I stopped watching it a few years ago; I find it boring. Give me a good Euro soccer match every time, or a good baseball game.

They are losers and need to be fired. If I pulled that at work that would be my last day. We hire Vets and the founder of our family owned business was a submariner. NFL NBA MLB need to real this in.

If this indignation carries over to the Olympics my TV is going in the trash.

As a Scotsman now living in the United States of America, I found yesterday's actions disgusting. The flag and anthem mean so much to people, and to disrespect it in front of millions world wide was embarrassing.

This is 100% media driven IMO. Last year one QB took a knee as Ferguson burned to the ground. The NFL and fans did not approve and he now finds himself without a job. Now the media has flip flopped this and it's okay now to disrespect the anthem and flag. Let's see what happens when this trickles down to high school and college football. Things will turn really ugly.

The NFL has rules about everything, on and off the field. Apparently management rights are not to be enforced now that the popular people have decided that protest during the national anthem is an employee right. I'm done with the NFL, that's my right.

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Made it, Ma! Top of the world!

I simply dismiss all of the SJW virtue signalling, ESPECIALLY from people who chase an inflated animal skin for a living. I don't care what they think about football, nevermind anything else.

I know history and what's actually proved important over the course of human history. Anybody who wants to know what REAL oppression is only needs to read these three books:

"The Rape of Nanking"
"Blood Lands"
"Harvest of Sorry"

The ignorant, infantile ravings of millionaire felons matter not one iota to me. If it weren't for the news, I'd never know about it anyway.

I'm proud of my country, it's flag and my freedom. I am ashamed of crybabies that make millions to play a game.

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Mike, AmVets Member, Navy Vet

All I will say her is that I am quite happy that I am not a Sports Fan and never was. This way I feel as I am missing absolutely nothing, as I would boycott them profusely.

On the RARE occasion that I go to a Superbowl Party I don't even bother watching the game - more interested in chatting with friends and the food .

I love the flag. I love the off button also. People sitting on their butt is wrong when that tune is played. Even when I am reloading in private I stand. Tears come to my eyes when the planes fly over a NASCAR event.

The NFL is sending mixed messages. They would not allow the Cowboys to wear stickers on their helmets in support of the Dallas police department (and fallen officer) because it was too political, yet they are allowing their players to take a knee and supporting them in their political stance. It should be all or nothing, and I personally feel it should be nothing. If the players want to take action on their own time and protest, that is their right. I don't want to see politics during a game or in the halftime entertainment.

It was in the news recently that a youth football team took the knee so it is trickling down.

The lack of respect that is evident everywhere these days is really alarming and disheartening. I feel some of these people should travel the world and see how the "freedoms" they take for granted like "free speech" are restricted in other countries. Maybe they would have more respect for our flag and country.

I concur...

I also sit and smile at the knees being taken in London for the US National Anthem and then rising for the Union Jack and God Save the Queen. Do the athletes that speak of being "oppressed" understand it was the USA that freed their ancestors and that it was under The Union Jack that their ancestors were sailed to America? This just shows me how ignorant this has all become.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet

Cowboys wore patches honoring the Dallas Police Officers killed while defending protesters. NFL stopped this support. Another example of double standard. Our people, all, should honor our freedom and respect our Anthem and our Flag. Not to do so is not in protest but due to historical ignorance of what Americans have sacrificed to preserve freedom.
Jim

People still watch those?.....

I can push one button on the remote and all is well here!!

To everyone who is getting bent over this:

You are giving them exactly what they want.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

They want attention but they don't want declining attendance and viewship and that's what is happening. Not a snowflake either but a snowball rolling down hill gaining size all the time. Hit em in the wallet and watch em wail.

As far as sports heroes go, I really respect and admire Rick Monday.

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God spelled backwards is dog.

The only reason they have the capability of the statements they are making due to the first amendment is because of our FLAG, which represents our country, our constitution, our freedom. Anyone who disrespects our flag disrespects our entire country and should not be allowed to play whatever sport they represent, and any team owner that allows it to continue should have his franchise stripped from him.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

How do you figure that??
Not watching hurts the NFL in the pocket book.
I am informing the advertisers of the games where the players "Do there thing." that I will not buy there products till the players stop such action...
That will change things fast if enough people do that.

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

Imagine a couple of Russian players in the NHL did this? Yes you could say that is their right, but we all know very well all hell would break loose.

I'm kinda surprised this thread is still here, but glad it is.

I'm not a fan, haven't been for years, but I still want to do my part to try to financially knock some sense into the NFL.

I'm not buying from the sponsors with one exception-Duracell. And if I find a brand as good (Energizer is not), I'll dump them, too.

I wish I had a list of emails for the sponsors as it is a pain to try to find the right one to email my lack of financial support or interest in their product.

I've ben around this forum for a while and remember several post before all of this happened. Those post were about people in the stands at sports events not standing for the anthem.

I thought then that those people were idiots. Like most here thought.

I can't say what I think about the current crop of people doing it for protest. Protest! ???

They took the confederate battle flag away and several other symbols from history and it looks like now they have their sight on old glory.

Sad.

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Dum vivo cano

Pat Tillman was and is a hero in my book. May he Rest In Peace.

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

This is a good point.

As a society, we hold up these sports figures and actors, and musicians. We appreciate their talent. The problem is it goes to their heads. Just because they make money because of a talent doesn't make them important politically.

They should play the game, act in the movies, sing the song, and keep their opinions to themselves, and be thankful they have what they have.

I support the Constitution of the United States of America. One of the rights that it guarantees is the right to protest.

While I disagree with these folks, I will support their right to express their perceived grievances so long as they do so without violence.

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Or something like that . . .

I respect the flag, all who have defended it, and for the constitution it represents, including all the amendments, not just the second.

If we are to have a full and honest discussion on the respect for the flag we need to include the following.

(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
(j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

Per US code.

USFlag.org: A website dedicated to the Flag of the United States of America - United States Code

Remember, In the recent catastrophes we've watched on the news first responders make special efforts to save the flag.

For those that served and serve. IT MEENS SOMETHING that these protesters (???) have no clue about and never in their sorry minds will understand.

Freedom is a double edged knife. Handle with caution.

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Dum vivo cano

When I was a kid, my dad listened to lots of music, but one of my favorites, even way back then, was Merle Haggard's "The Fightin' Side of Me".

I'm finding it even more relevant these days.

Really? Jackie Robinson, Jim Brown, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali, Billy Jean King, Arthur Ash, Jack Kemp, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and last but not least Ronald Reagan, to name a few may disagree with you.

I post this:

Rick Monday making the greatest play in baseball.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

My money, I have the right to spend it as I please. My time, I have the right to watch what I want. The first amendment does not limit my rights above.

My hopes, and prayers are mine also. I hope, and pray that the NFL suffers financially in a big way.

Way to go Rick Monday!
Jim

Just because we have the right to do something means that we should get carried away with it. There is a time and a place to do such things.

The NFL players are only hurting themselves.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

There are many peaceful, lawful, and respectful ways to protest. Stand on the street corner and preach, give out copies at a local park, print up bumper stickers, rent space on a billboard, put out yard signs, buy radio/tv/internet advertising, or have a call center randomly call people on their cell phones(I really wish they wouldn't pick that one). If the protesters come up with a plan to make America better I'm ready and eager to hear it and if it's a good plan, I may stand side by side with them in their protest. It's not like everyone else thinks things are just wonderful with the US government, most people have many complaints but disrespecting the flag and what it stands for will turn most patriotic people against their cause instead of for it.

Here is the problem with taking sides in the business world. No matter what side someone is going to get mad. Employees in most business would get fired for taking such sides. Even when they are off the clock they still get fired. For some reason celebrities think they cannot get fired.

The NFL has been dead to me for almost three years. This latest round of insulting behavior in the news just reaffirms to me that I made the right decision.

It's sad that this Country is going to Hell in a handbasket.Maybe it's just my opinion but just like this Forum isn't the place for politics neither is sports the place for protesting ones beliefs.

The Supreme Court has upheld the notion that the first amendment doesn't apply in the private workplace.While the NFL is an organization the individual teams are privately owned.

The NFL has an operations manual which is different from the rule book.Below is an excerpt from that manual...

But yet the NFL wouldn't allow small decals on the helmets honoring the Dallas cops that were killed.So much for caring what the public thinks of your actions.

It may be the right of those guys to protest, but it is my right to contact every sponsor of the NFL teams I can find and tell them I will not buy their products or services as long as they sponsor those teams. If enough people do that things will change, fast!
Publicly disrespecting the Anthem, Flag, and Country while abroad (London) is especially hateful.
Steve W

if we are going to change anything we must have respect each other. Respecting even those who we don't agree with. My higher power said to love one another, he didn't say we have to like them.

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Carpriver.