The Red, White, and Blue

When I write for the public, when I post on social media, and when I teach (or taught - past tense), I tend to keep my religious and political views to myself.  I never deny my belief in God, but the separation of church and state usually prevents me from voicing my beliefs to my students in a classroom setting.  Even though I am a registered Republican, my dad always taught me to vote for the person rather than the party, and I always split the ticket when I vote, except in the primary where a party must be declared.  However, I do have firm views on a current situation that has sparked discussion recently.  Standing for the National Anthem before a sporting event.

Now some background - I was raised in a family of veterans.  My grandfather Henderson was a World War I veteran and his brother, my Great Uncle Ralph, was killed in action during that war.  My dad and my Uncle Bob were veterans of World War II, with Dad serving on the Destroyer Escort Eldridge and Uncle Bob in the Army.  Uncle Bud and Uncle Dean served during the Korean War.  We respected our country and the freedoms we enjoy as American citizens.  Standing when the National Anthem played was never questioned; it was expected as a sign of respect for those who fought for those freedoms, for our Constitution, and for the citizenship we have.  When the Stars and Stripes passed by in a parade or was presented at an event in a gymnasium, we stood quietly to show our respect for our country.

When Gary and I were married, he shared my love of country.  He had served in the National Guard before I met him.  He was stationed in South Carolina and Louisiana and was based at the armory in Monticello.  We tried to instill the love of country into our daughters, and we were proud of both of them for representing West Central at Hoosier Girls State.  Megan continued as a counselor at HGS for several years, and she continued to honor veterans, especially her Grandpa Norm, by sending him letters on Veterans Day which had been written by her Clinton Prairie students.  Both girls also received scholarships from the American Legion in Francesville so they could continue their education at ISU.

One of the 'give me chills' moments during my tenure as the scorekeeper for the West Central Lady Trojans varsity and junior varsity basketball teams was listening to the National Anthem between the two games.  The hush in the gym, the removal of hats, thedrumroll, and the focus on the flag  on the wall of the gym---I will never forget the chills I felt each and every time.  I can still hear Abbie, Morgan, Amber, and Alyssa's voices blending in harmony as they began "Oh..oh..say can you see...."

In August I would stay awake long past my normal bedtime during the Olympics, just so I could see the American flag raised and hear the anthem played as so many of our athletes stood on the podium with their gold medals, tears streaming down their faces, and pride in their hearts.  They had represented our great nation well.

Then came a football player who decided that he needed to protest issues which he felt needed addressed by not standing for the National Anthem and the presentation of the flag.    Notice that I said 'issues he felt needed addressed' because I am not really sure what those issues are.   The focus instead, according to the media, has been on his not standing.  More athletes are following his lead and either sitting or 'taking a knee' during the anthem to join him in his protest.  The entire Indiana Fever basketball team 'took a knee' prior to a recent game.

Now while I agree that it is their Constitutional right to do this, and everyone is guaranteed Freedom of Speech in the Bill of Rights, I fail to see the connection to a 'cause' by disrespecting our National Anthem and our flag.

Furthermore, I find the actions not only disrespectful to the flag and the anthem but also a slap in the face to the veterans and current servicemen who have fought to protect these freedoms.  I will never forget the drive around the statue in memory of Iwo Jima in Washington DC.  The bus driver drove slowly around the circle while our tour guide asked us to look out the window and watch the flag as it miraculously was raised by the soldiers, signifying American victory by the Marines on that island.



And now professional athletes, college athletes, and even high school and junior high athletes are protesting issues occurring in this country by not standing for the National Anthem and for the flag.

What is happening in our country?  Terrorism.  Voting for a President based on 'the lesser of two evils' rather than based on who can  restore our country to one unified nation.  Riots.  Random killings.  Heightened security everywhere a crowd gathers because of fear.  Overpaid athletes earning more money than most of the fans who watch their games, protested 'issues' by 'taking a knee' instead of standing for the National Anthem and showing respect for the country that has given them the freedom to protest.

Quite honestly, it breaks my heart to see this happening.

And it breaks my heart to think that everything my dad, my uncles, and my grandfather fought for, is evaporating before my eyes.  What legacy are we leaving for Landon, Tessa, Cooper, and Owen?

Just my thoughts.  Just my opinion.  I am my father's daughter. I will stand for the National Anthem, and I will stand for the flag.  And yes...I have stood in my living room when the National Anthem has been played, even if no one can see.