Opening statement to those who think that a simple thing like just standing during the singing/playing of our Nation Anthem has nothing to do with honoring/respecting/recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of those who serve/who have served our Country:
“Yeah, it does.”
On November 8th, 2017, I posted the last (so far) video in our series of support and honor for our Veterans and Soldiers, those who have served, and those still serving today … a series entitled “The Price for Freedom.”
Here’s a direct link to the series:
The Price For Freedom
The series had begun on June 23, 2017, and I just wanted to look back at what had changed in the short time between the first video, and, the last video. That’s all! Just take a look at events which had happened during this short time.
Please allow me to say this … Please …
Our writing, and, in particular, our online ministries, have just one goal, one mission, and, it’s simply to “Bless, inspire, and encourage.” That’s it.
Period.
So, I have battled with writing about this “Stand for the National Anthem” issue for well over 2 months.
I remember an interview I did several years ago, when I made the statement that, “I am not just a Christian. I am a Christian writer. My job is not to conform to public policy. My job is to change public policy.”
I think it’s ok to have an opinion. I also understand that, if we express our opinion, in public, we must be prepared to defend it. I think it’s ok to love Jesus. I think it’s ok to love your wife. I think it’s ok to love your family. I think it’s ok to love your Country.
So, as the writer of “The Eagle Still Flies (A New Anthem for America),” I must be prepared to write about my love for Country … and, my love for those who serve and protect it.
This … I do now.
So, as I thought about the events of the last months, the one thing that stood out, for me, was the “fuss” being generated over this “Stand for the Anthem” issue.
First … I can’t even believe this is an issue!
For this to even be an issue is, just, wrong.
For there to even be a debate about this, is, just, wrong.
Whether you like it or not … and I know that we live in this world, even though we may not be of this world … but … whether we like it or not … there are still some things, in this world, that are, just, wrong.
Period.
My Father was a Veteran.
My wife’s Father was a Veteran.
Many of you had, or have, a Father which is, or was, a Veteran.
Many of you have a spouse who has a Father which is, or was, a Veteran.
Yes … I capitalize the word “Veteran.”
Whether you like it or not.
Just another way to give honor.
And, respect.
And … I can’t make this statement strongly enough:
It is a way to honor the families of those who have served.
Whether you like it, or not, we are talking about sacrifice, which apparently, many don’t have
a single clue about.
I agree:
Honor.
Sacrifice.
Dignity.
Unfortunately, I must agree, there are too many who “don’t have a clue” about any of those three.
But … there are many who do. Who do understand the sacrifice that, just agreeing to serve, involves. Who do understand that “The price for our freedom has been high.”
That do appreciate the sacrifice … made by others … so that we can be free.
This came at a cost.
OK, I’ll say it:
Just because you aren’t willing to sacrifice or serve or be grateful or be thankful or be aware of what your freedom costs …
I think you can finish the rest.
My Father had a US Flag draped over his casket.
My wife’s Father had a US Flag draped over his casket.
One of my best and closet friends, who died only recently, had a US Flag draped over his casket.
I’ll stand for the Anthem.
I know … deep down … and, I mean the “deepest of down” … why I stand for the Anthem …
Yes, there is a reason … deep down … I stand and honor those who serve, and have served.
If you don’t stand … I agree … There must be a reason … deep down … that you don’t.
The NFL?
No Flag Loyalty.
Simply put, to honor the Anthem is … just simply that … “wrapped up,” as my Father’s, my Father-in-Law’s, my friend’s casket was … “wrapped up” in the US Flag.
That’s ok, NFL (No Flag Loyalty), don’t show the Anthem, except on special occasions …
Before a Monday Night Football broadcast, I was prepared to stand, and enjoy, the broadcast of … as they always do … the singing of the National Anthem …
They didn’t show it.
While I can’t quote all that Carol and others I know have said about the decision to not telecast the National Anthem … I do remember this statement that Carol made, when I stood … yes, stood … dumbfounded … wondering, aloud … why they did not air the singing of our National Anthem:
“I guess they don’t want to be embarrassed.”
Embarrassed? About showing the National Anthem?
Then … I got it:
It would be an embarrassment to show players who don’t stand.
I am a fan of the NFL, even though they demonstrate
No Flag Loyalty.
I mean, I love the game.
Though, not so much … now.
I heard on the radio that the NFL (No Flag Loyalty) ratings, or business, or something like that, was down 20%. I know my interest level isn’t as high as it was … even from last year.
I will never buy another NFL (No Flag Loyalty) product again.
I know others who feel the same way.
Wait … isn’t the opportunity to honor my Father … My Father-in Law … my friend …
Those in your family … your friends … those who enjoy freedom because of their sacrifice and service …
Isn’t any opportunity to honor them …
A special occasion …???
At some point, I must say that, as I’ve heard sportscasters say, “We forget about the 99% of NFL players who do the right thing … who are a positive role model …”
I agree 100% with this statement.
At one point, I thought, and I must “clean this up” quite a bit, that
the “NFL” should stand for “Need to Find a Lawyer.”
Now, as we introduce this short series … I must say, that
the “NFL” should stand for “No Flag Loyalty.”
I’m sorry … did I just use the word “stand?”
I know … I know … you may be asking, “How important is this?”
Earlier in the season, I watched a game from London. Yes … I got up at 7:00AM to watch it. I told you, I still like the sport, and I am a fan of one of the quarterback on one of the teams. They always show the singing of the National Anthem from both countries involved. During the singing of the United States National Anthem, they seemed to go out of their way to show players (I don’t remember how many) who did not stand for the United States National Anthem.
What message do you think that sent to the world?
Later in the season, they had a game in Mexico City. Same thing. Both Anthems.
During the singing of the United States National Anthem, they seemed to go out of their way to show players (I don’t remember how many) who did not stand for the United States National Anthem.
What message do you think that sent to the world?
No wonder they are embarrassed.
I know I am.
Closing statement to those who think that a simple thing like just standing during the singing/playing of our Nation Anthem has nothing to do with honoring/respecting/recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of those who serve/who have served our Country:
“Yeah, it does.”
Richard. Vincent. Rose.
Founder/President
Freedom Unlimited Resources
pastorappreciationblog.com 