Once a country prided on their military prowess and strength of the ideals of upholding freedom, seems to have forgotten some of our most important citizens.
Following the recent election outcome, many individuals are taking to the streets to protest what they believe is an ill-fitted system to select the next leader of the United States. Most protests are not that of peace but of violence, sometimes extreme.
There are many images floating across social media and the internet of many individuals choosing to show their distaste in choice by burning a symbol that they believe represents the government and all it stands for. Individuals are choosing to burn, desecrate and stomp on the American Flag.
Yes, it is a symbol for the United States government, but it is also a symbol of the freedom that is allowing them to gather and protest these decisions. It is a symbol of how far we have come as a nation, from gaining independence from Great Britain, to overcoming differences resulting in the Civil War, to the Great Depression, to the terrorist attacks on 9/11. It is a symbol of unity and prosperity that we should be doing at this time, rather than protesting and destroying property to try to change something that simply can't be changed. It is a symbol of all of the men and women who have fought very hard for generations to keep our country as free as it is.
By destroying and burning an image that means so much to so many, is the worst thing that I believe anyone can ever do.
Yes, you have a right to be angry, yes you have a right to protest and a right to have your voice heard, but please don't take it out on the American flag.
I understand that it means something different to everyone, but as a person who views it as an image that represents all branches of our military, it is disheartening to see.
My father is a veteran, as well as my grandfathers and other family members. I have worked for men who have served in the military and have multiple friends currently serving. They have and are putting their lives in danger constantly to keep our country as free as it is. It is unfair and so disrespectful that people who have never served or have never thought of serving choose to take our their angers out on the flag and everything it stands for.
Why? Because you're mad that you didn't get the president you wanted? I understand that Trump is not the most desirable candidate, but do you honestly believe that he can actually do every bad thing that he says he wants to do? No. We have check and balances for a reason. That's why our government was set up the way it was, so that one individual cannot have all of the power and control.
We are a country of the people, for the people and by the people.
Maybe that is why I simply can't comprehend why people think that it is completely okay to destroy, burn and desecrate such a sacred image that means so much to so many.
So in light of this year's Veteran's Day, remember to thank veterans and those serving for doing their duty. Not just on the day reserved for them, but every day that follows. Because if it weren't for their hard work, all of the blood and tears shed, you may not be able to do and say what you can today.
