Kneeling for the National Anthem
The Star-Spangled Banner and National Anthem provide the majestic musical/visual symbol of the Constitution I swore to support and defend as a Navy officer. My binding oath requires standing for the National Anthem and kneeling to pray for the country.
Now most pro sports plus ESPN, Nike, et al endorse kneeling when playing the anthem, as if disparaging the country could promote social justice. Instead, veterans understand settling grievances requires revering, defending the essence of our country found in the truths of the Declaration of Independence and preamble to our Constitution.
Veterans know that when Armed Forces members make the ultimate sacrifice, their remains are wrapped in the Star-Spangled Banner in remembrance of intangible personal liberties so ably represented by these documents. When buried the flag is removed, elegantly folded, and given to a spouse, child, sibling, or parent.
Previously success was defined by marriage, raising kids, careers, etc. Now a fashionable consensus defines success around one group adjusting behaviors to validate the emotional damage others have decided to inflict upon themselves for endless perceived aggressions, insults, and prejudices. The instigators gain prestige but lack dreams to pursue or accomplishments to celebrate. The subservient parties embrace costless moral superiority by holding themselves and the country in disgust. Both share peaceful defilement.
I will always choose success through the hazards and uncertainties of personal freedom over sheltering within codependent relationships. This country needs “a new birth of freedom” and must remain faithful to the Constitution as the embodiment of American ideals.>p?\> Partial Bibliography:
The Liberal Mind by Lyle H. Rossiter, Jr., M.D.
Meaning of the Folding of the American flag
https://www.truthorfiction.com/foldsoftheflag/
The Case Against Liberal Compassion
https://imprimis.hillsdale.edu/the-case-against-liberal-compassion/
Constitution Society: John Locke CHAP. V Of Property
. http://www.constitution.org/jl/2ndtr05.htm
Property by James Madison
http://www.revolutionary-war-and-beyond.com/property-by-james-madison-march-29-1792.html
That’s a good letter. Thanks for sharing from one veteran to another.