Let me start off by saying that I am a full supporter of the First Amendment and standing up for what you believe in, as Colin Kaepernick has done. That being said, I also believe that there is a time and place for such things, and the National Anthem of the United States, is not one of them. As a white, middle class American, I have not faced the injustices and oppression that so many in our country have and continue to suffer. I fully admit that, and my heart goes out to those that continue to deal with prejudice on a daily basis. But as a human, with feelings and strong opinions, I do understand the want and the need to make a statement about something I’m passionate about. So I may not “get it,” but I get it. What I don’t get is, of all the ways that Colin Kaepernick could have stood up for oppression and used his platform, he felt the need to disrespect our National Anthem.

The National Anthem, also known as The Star – Spangled Banner, was written by Francis Scott Key, as he was being held captive by the British. He wrote the lyrics after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry and later, the large American Flag flying, signaling an American victory in the War of 1812. It grew in popularity, and was officially used by the United States Navy. It was later adopted as the National Anthem in 1931.

To me, and I’m sure many other Americans, the National Anthem is a sign of honor and respect. It is our way to show gratitude and admiration towards those risking their lives for our freedom. It shows our soldiers that we stand behind them, and appreciate the daily sacrifices they make, so that we don’t have to. It’s a display of pride and love for a country that even with all its trials and tribulations, offers so much opportunity and potential compared to other nations. Have you ever been at a large sporting event and heard everyone singing along to it? Or watched a big game like the World Cup on TV and heard the echo of people singing in the stadium? It gives me chills.

The best example I can think of as to how important the National Anthem is to our country, is the Olympics. This past summer, I watched the Summer Olympics every single day, and the medal ceremonies very often included an American gold medalist (GO USA). To hear the anthem play, and see the athlete completely overcome with emotion was something that gave me goosebumps. I can’t even begin to fathom the pride and honor they felt for being able to represent their country in such a way. Having your anthem played and standing up on those platforms is not just the highest award at the Olympics, but one of the most revered honors in the world. I am shocked that just a few months since the Olympics ended, people have lost that affection. Another thing I’d like to point out is that Usain Bolt stopped his interview to stand at attention for the National Anthem of the United States, NOT EVEN HIS OWN COUNTRY. He literally asked the woman to cut the interview in order to turn and pay attention. The fact that someone who is not even from our country has enough respect to stop his interview for our anthem, and we have fellow countrymen not even standing for it, is appalling.

My final reason for not “kneeling” with Colin Kaepernick and the various other athletes that have joined him is because as I said before, I believe in the First Amendment, but I also believe there is a time and a place for certain matters. THE NATIONAL ANTHEM ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11 IS NOT THE MOMENT. An anniversary of a day that touched so many lives, and continues to remain a tragedy for the American people, is not the occasion to promote your ideas, no matter what they are. It’s just not. 2,996 people died that day. More than 6,000 were injured. Thousands lost their loved ones. Families were ripped apart. Kids lost their parents. Wives and husbands lost their significant others. Our country still feels the losses of that day. The National Anthem on the anniversary of 9/11 is a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the strength of the American people. The fact that ANYONE would ever try and make a point on a day like that, a day when the country comes together to mourn, disgusts me.

This continues to be an extremely controversial topic, so I know that there will be people that strongly disagree with me, I understand. However, I refuse to “kneel” with Colin Kaepernick because I respect those fighting for my freedom, and even with all its problems, I believe in my country. #USA