About 10 years ago, Tracy and I took Courtney back to Washington, D.C., on a trip that was just wonderful. She was in 8th grade, and we were considering sending her on one of those school sponsored trips. After pricing it out, we found that we all could go for not that much more, and it remains one of Courtney's favorite childhood memories.
As we were touring the American History Museum at the Smithsonian Institute, we came across the very flag that flew at Fort McHenry, which Francis Scott Key saw in twilight's last gleaming, and again in dawn's early light. I did not expect to see that there, and was unaware that it was even at the museum, so it was with the sense of awe that I approached the room where the flag was being displayed. There was a feeling of reverence in there. People actually spoke in hushed voices. I absolutely loved being next to that flag.
I enjoy hearing our nation's anthem. Every time. I have attended the Olympics and have listened respectfully when the anthems of other countries are played to honor their champions. But who can forget Usain Bolt, one of the best sprinters in history, stopping an interview while the Star Spangled Banner was played during a medal ceremony?
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| The day I became a fan of Usain Bolt. |
Kaepernick, thanks a lot, dude, for "advancing the public dialogue."
Here's the thing with Kap. If he had moves like Jagger, then the guy would have a contract. Team owners tend to overlook a host of sins for players who help them win, and this would be no different . . . but I digress.
The Cleveland Browns recently had 12 players opt to kneel during the song, and their employer recognized and supported their freedom of speech choices. I wonder, if any of those 12 had ever been presented with a folded flag, would they still not stand? Also, I'd bet dollars to donuts that all those guys already had contracts sewn up.
The Browns' regular season opener is on September 10, and they asked that local emergency response personnel show up to hold a giant flag, stretched across the field, during the playing of the national anthem. The police and other related unions opted out, citing they didn't want to support an organization that supported its employees' choice to not stand for the anthem.
And so it goes.
Why do we continue to have it sung at sporting events? When else it is sung? There have been some excellent singings of that song, who can forget Whitney Houston at the '88 Super Bowl? And also some Rosanning . . . but while I love hearing it, I am not certain it is a good idea to continue to have it performed at athletic contests.
Courtney wrote an article for her high school newspaper a few years ago called, "The Pledge of Annoyance," referencing the frequency and appropriateness of reciting the "Pledge of Allegiance." Eight years later I think I am seeing her point.
Just like the government should probably get out of the marriage business, we should consider the appropriate circumstances for the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. Its treatment should be honorable, and if not, then the event doesn't deserve it.
Our National Anthem deserves better. We could learn a lesson from this kid:
"And the star spangled banner, in triumph shall wave,
O'er the home of the free, and the land of the brave."
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