Rise for Our Anthem

Home is where you live. It’s where you’ve had to work hard to build and create everlasting memories. You would feel hurt, almost violated, if anyone disrespected your home. When a person doesn’t stand for the one minute and fifty seven seconds it takes to sing our National Anthem, it's as if someone is disrespecting your home. The United States of America is our home. It has given us opportunity to live freely and speak out. Turning one’s back or taking a knee is inappropriate and uncivil for the singing of the National Anthem at anytime or anywhere.

    49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, is refusing to stand for the National Anthem during  his

games. That is when it became a controversial topic, and a discussion that many feel strongly about. He explained his reasoning for kneeling to the National Anthem to NFL media in an interview after the game “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color". He also mentions that he feels “selfish” about looking toward the flag. He says that people, particularly African Americans, are targeted and disrespected. He also mentions that they are being mistreated: “There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” Colin’s reasoning is not a good enough reason to disrespect your entire country, especially when he is an NFL player who is seen and watched by millions all over the country. The entire nation isn’t oppressing the African American race. There are far more many men and women who have died in war; or serving our country, that gives Colin Kaepernick the opportunity to be standing on a football field, to play the game he loves. Standing up for the National Anthem is a part of the pregame ceremony, which gives players time to honor the United States.

    Standing up for the National Anthem not only shows respect for your country, but shows respect for those who are serving and their families. The singing of the National Anthem should be a reminder of how lucky we are and should remind us of the men and women who risk their lives for you. If you were to take a look around in a football stadium I’m sure you would see a man or woman from either the air force, navy, army, or coast guard. Some of those men and women wish they could stand, but they physically cannot. They put themselves in front of harm’s way so that we can have or football fields, our hot dog stands, our souvenir shops and our football players. They bust theirs, for yours, so show them that we thank them and stand up for that one minute and fifty seven seconds.

Writer Bernie Linciocome, from the Chicago Tribune believes that the standing for the National Anthem is anyone's decision. He mentions in his article: “I recall feeling very uncomfortable standing for Deutschland Uber Alles when the world cup came to Soilder Field. I stood, out of courtesy, but probably more so because everyone else was standing.”. It is a song in remembrance of those who died for everyone else to live in this free country. It is a song to remind us of the liberties we have. The National Anthem is a song of pride and courage. It's not just a song, it's our beliefs and defeat that brought us to our freedom that we still have to this day.

Although many people may disagree and think that the National Anthem is something we have to 

stand for before a soccer game or before a match of some sport, it is truly time to take in and be 

grateful. Citizens Of the U.S may have their differences, but the singing of the National Anthem 

brings us together. Many put their right hand over their heart, and close their eyes as they take a step 

back from reality, and realize how lucky they are. Listening and singing the National Anthem is a 

 time to respect and stand, for those who can't. Respect your home, respect other people’s homes, 

respect this country and stand with pride for The National Anthem.

Citations:

Wyche, By Steve. "Colin Kaepernick Explains Why He Sat during National Anthem." NFL.com. NFL Reporter, 27 Aug. 2016. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.

Services, Tribune News. "Colin Kaepernick Kneels during National Anthem, Meets Green Beret before 49ers-Chargers Game." Chicagotribune.com. Contact Reporter, 02 Sept. 2016. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.

Lincicome, Bernie. "Whether You Stand for National Anthem or Not, Our Flag Is Still There." Chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune, 02 Sept. 2016. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.

Is the National Anthem Etiquette. 2016. National Constituion Center. Does the United States or Other Countries Compel National Anthem Etiquette? Web. 31 Aug. 2016.

@annkillion. "Is the National Anthem Even Necessary?" San Francisco Chronicle. San Francisco Chronicle, 29 Aug. 2016. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.