When I was a kid, one of the first things I was taught in school was to show respect for God and country by learning to pledge allegiance to the flag. We also shared in a morning prayer. That’s how we began each day.
And no, I didn’t go to a religious school. I went to a public school.
I was taught to stand at attention — proudly — with my hand across my heart and eyes focused on the flag.
In time, I learned the words to the national anthem. And I wanted to learn them! God and country. Those were the things I learned to honor and respect … as much as family.
For Those Who Came Before
Perhaps this was more familiar to me than most since I was raised in a military family. My dad was a Master Sargent in the Air Force, my mother a Lieutenant Nurse in the Army. Both served to their retirement, and they served proudly.
In those days, the flag was a familiar sight … not just at schools or public buildings, but everywhere. Today, it seems there are fewer flags flying.
In recent weeks, certain high-profile athletes — including a backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers — have shown what I consider to be a total disrespect for those who fought and continue to fight for our freedoms, as well as those who serve and protect us here at home.
I get the meaning of the protests, and I certainly don’t question their right to express their opinions. But I do question the method by which they choose to make their statement. Several are sitting or kneeling or otherwise not showing respect during the playing of our national anthem.
It’s disturbing and it’s sending the wrong message … particularly to America’s youth.
For Those Who Will Follow
Regardless of what sport it is, if you’re a prominent player, you have a responsibility to America’s youth. There are young kids out there watching, perhaps idolizing, and, in my opinion, that is where these acts do the most harm.
The soldiers and first responders whom these protesting athletes disrespect can take it. They’re tough, and they know better. But the young, impressionable kids following these athletes, who use sports arenas as their platforms, are impacted in the worst ways.
Our kids need to learn respect, as well as right from wrong. And when an athlete decides that a sporting event is where he or she should stage a protest, that individual is doing way more harm than good.
Instead of sitting or kneeling during the national anthem, I wish they’d find a more meaningful way to engage themselves. They could work with local, state or national groups to truly make a difference … without harming future generations of Americans.
The Boys of B.A.S.S.
In our arena, we show respect for God and country, and we’re proud to do it.
Each day before competition begins — at all B.A.S.S. events —we stand for the national anthem. Every angler, tournament official, fan, media person and passerby. Even our foreign competitors stand and show their respect.
It’s what we do.
Perhaps the National Football League, National Women’s Soccer League and any other sanctioning body that governs high-profile sporting events will take a lesson from our group of professional anglers and insist their players to do the right thing by standing during the national anthem. Considering the many sacrifices of those who kept and continue to keep our country safe and free, it shouldn’t be too much to ask.