To those who choose to disrespect the American flag:

By disrespect I mean, step on, purposely rip, and burn the American flag. The flag that is red, white and blue, with 50 stars and 13 stripes. The flag that is a symbol of the United States of America. If you disrespect that flag, you should be ashamed of yourself.

The USA is a country unlike any other. We have beautiful freedoms and opportunities here in America. Before you bash this country, take a minute to think about other countries around the world and how life is far worse in some places. You are actually very lucky to live here.

To be able to have such freedoms came at a cost. Brave men and women have fought for you. Have fought for this country. Fought for that flag. And you have the audacity to disrespect it?! Soldiers have lost their lives and left their families behind for you. There are families who receive a folded up flag instead of their child. And you're going to choose to be ignorant?!

If you are disrespecting the flag because you are upset or mad about something then I suggest finding a new way to protest. It is your right to protest but please find a respectful way to exercise that right instead of offending the people who fight for you to use that right.

As I was writing this I took a break and scrolled through Facebook, a friend from high school who is active in the military shared a video of protesters burning the flag. In her post, she wrote how the video HURT and DISGUSTED her. Flag burners, you are literally disrespecting the military.

I'm asking two things. First, to find a new way to protest. Make signs, stand outside buildings, shout things. But please do it in a respectful manner. Not only will it not offend those who protect your right to protest but maybe the cause your protesting for will get more respect too. I saw a #mannequinchallenge video for Black Lives Matter. Now that's the way to protest. This challenge is so popular and it's a non-violent way to protest. Second, please respect the flag as it represents a lot more than you're butthurt about.

God Bless America!