On Memorial Day we are asked to remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms that we, as Americans, enjoy. Yet, as our national media took to the air this weekend they chose to discuss the NFL’s ruling on the expectation of their employee as it pertains to conduct during the playing of the National Anthem. In their supposed “unbiased” commentary, they failed to report the true meaning behind why these players should stand during the anthem. Below, as a reference, is the actual legal code of conduct.
36 U.S. Code § 301 – National Anthem
(a) Designation. — The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b) Conduct During Playing. — During a rendition of the national anthem
(1) When the flag is displayed:
(A) Individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B) Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(2) When the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
The talking heads were quick to point out that individuals have the right to protest perceived injustices, they have the right to free speech and the NFL owners have the right to keep the fans happy but not one that I heard mentioned the true reason behind the act in question.
Why is it right and just, as an American, to stand during the anthem?
We, as a united Nation, stand as a grateful people on behalf of the men and women who serve this great country and, most importantly, those who died for those very rights that everyone seems to be so concerned about protecting. I find it very hypocritical that someone would use the National Anthem as the vehicle of choice to protest any human right; given what it stands for. I also believe that our media’s lack of acknowledgement of this central truth on Memorial Day weekend goes to the heart of who we are becoming as a society, a self-centered culture with a relativistic view of the truth.
God Bless America and the brave souls of our National Heroes who gave their all for each of us; even those of us who foolishly show lack of dignity and respect to the sacrifices they made.
If this is my last post, I want all to know there was only one purpose for all that I have written; to have made a positive difference in the lives of others.
Anthony “Tony” Boquet, the author of “The Bloodline of Wisdom, The Awakening of a Modern Solutionary”