The First Amendment. The innate right to freedom. Freedom of speech, expression, religion, assembly, petition and the press. You, Colin Kaepernick, Gabby Douglas, Megan Rapinoe and anyone else who feels the voice of their people isn't being heard and either consciously or subconsciously decided to kneel or simply stand at a position of ease during the National Anthem have the right to do so.

I applaud anyone who takes a public stand against something they passionately feel is wrong. They are calling for a social change and I can't say that it is completely without precedent.That is exactly why we have those freedoms. The forefathers of the United States of America, land of the free, knew it was so important that the people have these freedoms, that they put it first. Before all other amendments. Before all other rights, to ensure that the voices of the many, the minorities, the subcultures, the citizens of the United States of America can advocate, educate, and stand up for what they believe in.

However, these freedoms did not come free.

Countless brave brothers and now sisters have fought and died and continue to fight and die so that you have the right to express how you feel and I back you on that. America has seen better days with less violence, hate, and prejudice against all people from all walks of life. I get it. We need a change. We need leaders who will stand up peacefully, respectfully and intelligently lead America to a far greater time where no one is judged based on the color of their skin, religion or sexual orientation. So thank you for standing up for what you believe in and calling for a much-needed social change.

But if you won't stand up to respect the National Anthem, no actually not even the that. If you won't stand up and pay respect to the flag for your country, please do it for the millions of people that the flag represents, the people who sacrificed their life so you could lead the life you do today.

You have a right to choose whether to stand or not. Whether to hold the flag high and mighty. To stomp on it. Set it on fire. Kneel while the National Anthem plays for it. That's your right that we have fought for. But I ask you to please think about more than just you. More than just a social cause. Think about all the caskets with American Flags draped over the top sent home to loved ones. Think about the families that only have flags folded into triangles left to remember their loved ones who died for you. Think about the brave men and woman who swear to give their lives to protect you. The same people that have lost their lives to keep the beautiful Red, White, and Blue flying high, triumphantly above the country they love. The free country that lets you stomp on a flag that someone else is holding dear and crying over because their husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, or father did not come home. The free country where you can stand up for what you believe in, even if it means disrespecting the people that have fought to ensure you have that right.

So please, next time you stand up for what you believe in remember who has died to give that right to you. Remember that the flag may represent the United States, but even more than that it represents all the blood, sweat, tears, and lives sacrificed to protect your rights. Remember the fallen. Stand for them.