You have every right to burn our flag. You have every right to stomp and rip and destroy our flag. But before you do, before you take out your frustration and hatred on a piece of our national pride, consider this.

You are an American. You have the freedom to speak freely, no matter how offensive your words. You are entitled to your opinion and no one can punish you for it (so long as you aren't hurting anyone else). And, so long as you aren't endangering anyone's life or rights, you can demonstrate your frustrations and opinions.

But, before you set fire to our flag, remember this:

For someone, those stars and stripes are the last memento of a love one lost. They are the thing they clutched close to their chest as their loved one was lowered into the ground amid a three-volley gun salute.

There are some who long for nothing more than a folded flag, to give them some closure, some solace for a loved one missing in action.

The fabric that you would burn and scorn is more than just fabric and a statement to these people. It is more than just thirty seconds of coverage on the local news. It is more than an attention getter.

Burning a flag is a reminder that some are ungrateful for their loved one's sacrifice. It is a reminder to them that there are those who hate their loved ones for simply defending and serving their country.

But you have every right to do this. You have every right to burn our flag, but know that by doing so, you may hurt someone deeply.

I know, their feelings aren't your responsibility. You're trying to make a statement. You have an important message. Burning an American flag is a great way to get attention.

But, before you do, remember that whatever frustrations you have, you can voice them because of what that flag represents. Freedom of speech. Freedom of assembly. Freedom: an individual, unalienable right.

You may hate America, or Trump, or the police, or Hillary, or Black Lives Matter, but remember, that the flag you are burning represents the freedom you have to burn it.

You are burning the representation of your freedom. Is that what you want to do?

Men and women have laid down their lives for years to protect your freedom to scream "Down with America!" and set fire to the flag. To soldiers abroad, the flag is a representation of home. A reminder of what they fight for. They would much rather be home, with their families, but they choose to sacrifice for what our flag represents.

So, yes, you have every right to burn our flag. You have every right to rip, stomp and destroy our flag. But before you do, think on the symbolism of your action and the emotional impact it could have.

You are burning the representation of your freedom. The very thing that men and women have given their lives for, both abroad and here at home. You may hate congress, or 'the system' but do you really hate your freedom of speech? The freedoms you enjoy because you are an American?

You are burning the thing that should unite us. Because no matter our heritage, sexuality, social status or race, we are all Americans and all have the same rights and have all at one point or another, pledged allegiance to our flag.

The American flag represents our freedoms, that we have fought to preserve and defend above all else for the last 240 years. It is more than a means to gain attention. If you burn our flag, you burn what represents your freedom. Is that really the statement you want to make?