Colin Kaepernick started a trend by one day deciding not to stand for the national anthem. His decision not to stand came from a belief that he was standing up for what he believed in and I can respect that, especially with all the backlash that he has received and among all the people who have started following his lead. I may respect why he feels the need to do what he did, but it is also difficult for me to understand as a military member.

I have heard of so many people who have given up their lives for that flag. People have died to support the freedom that these athletes are able to use. I wish there was a different way for this conversation to happen because this conversation about race needs to happen. I just wish there was a better way for it to start and I don’t know what that way is. There is a lot that I could wish for, but nothing seems to happen out of that unless a conversation is started. So, thank you Colin Kaepernick for starting the conversation: just remember that there are people out there fighting for your right to have it.