I have noticed a heavy trend lately with the following of professional football player Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the National Anthem as well as the rest of the nation. By all means, every single citizen in the United States has the right to express themselves as freely as they please, but I would like to throw in a point of view change for those of you that think it is okay to get on one knee, hands down to your side and stare into space while the flag is laid out on the fields or pulled up on the pole during any type of ceremonies/event.

The flag stands for something, and it stands for the unity and strength our country upholds over the years. Our country has fought to keep our lines strong and open to those who want to experience a whole new life and existence in the Americas. We stand for freedom, everyone has their freedom to do what they want under certain disregards. When you kneel during the song of our country, you are disregarding all the things we still fight for. You are turning your attitude away from the welfare of this country and ignoring the ones who are over seas fighting for your life to be protected on a daily basis. You have the privilege to have a life where you can work freely, live freely, be educated freely, and socialize among the other people living on this great nation, ALL because we have the flag to protect. The flag is the symbol of everlasting protection all because of the men and women fighting overseas and in our bases to protect us Americans. They chose to put their lives on the line on a daily basis every single day just so you can wake up in your bed at home with your family and go on with your daily routine free of airstrikes and bombings in your town or city. You can go to bed thinking, “I’ll wake up safe tomorrow” because there are people staying awake during those hours keeping you safe from afar.

All I can say is, when you kneel during the song that represents the freedoms of our country, think about the mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, husbands, and wives that are choosing to risk their life while you live yours peacefully. Yes, the diversity of our country is a problem that has completely changed in the last 200 years. Nothing is ever the same as it was the years before, things always have the ability to become better. But, the one thing that won’t change is the heart our country has for our past, present and future. WE as a nation want to protect those that live within our borders, and disrespecting such a high noted song that represents our country is ignorant and the complete opposite of helping the problem at hand. Kneeling on a knee for 2 minutes in public isn’t a physical attribute that could help solve this problem. Drawing attention to such actions isn’t going to make a change, it is only causing a scene across the nation. Just because something makes the news, doesn’t mean anything different will happen because of it. If you really want change to occur, take action. Take action that won’t disrespect what our country stands for. If we want to become a country that fights a whole power, we can’t continue to act in such manners.

Coming from someone who grew up with multiple family members in the military, across the branches, and from someone who plans to serve in the military after college working with those who are injured in the field, it is something that is looked upon with high importance. The minute you hear the anthem or alleigence you stand and salute your country and praise the red, white and blue for keeping you safe here in the USA.

So many people have died for us. They travel miles away from families and homes so they can protect you. Do them a little respect and think more about what you’re doing before you do it because “everyone else is doing it”. If you everyone was jumping off a bridge for fun, would you follow? A small gesture can go a long way. Thank a servicemen when you see one. Thank a veteran for their service. You aren’t living life without some sort of protection, that flag is protecting you. Why disrespect something that keeps you alive?