Judy Baker: Standing for the anthem shows respect for those who gave so much
Our forefathers established our country in search of a better life and freedom from oppression. Battles fought, lives lost, families divided; but as a nation, we prospered. In honor of those patriots, stand for our flag. Stand in honor of those buried in many national and private cemeteries in America while others are buried on foreign soil or at sea.
Some came home in body bags, others with severe disabilities and PTSD. Some have been so traumatized that their families and homes have disintegrated and they now live on the streets. They didn’t garner million-dollar sports contracts.
I hope those who are protesting have contributed to their cause, not just kneeling. Stand for the flag, kneel for the cross.
Our wounded warriors should march on the NFL playing fields with the baggage they carry. Let those million-dollar athletes see those warriors who cleared their way to fame and fortune. Their fields were not playing fields but fields of war. Stand when you see the U.S. flag and the National Anthem is played.
Judy Baker, Ripon
This story was originally published October 19, 2017 at 2:08 PM with the headline "Judy Baker: Standing for the anthem shows respect for those who gave so much."