“Dawn’s Early Light” Francis Scott Key during the battle of Fort McHenry in Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore
*1912 Painting by Edward Moran

When standing for the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance or hearing the Star Spangled Banner being played, special attention should be paid to the words.  For the best ever representation of the origin of the National Anthem, visit Fort HcHenry in Baltimore Harbor. It is the best representations of lawyer Francis Scott Key’s negotiated the freedom of a hostage over 200 years ago when the British bombarded Fort McHenry in the War of 1812 and lost that battle.

After the battle when Francis Scott Key saw the American Flag still standing, it was the inspiration for the words of the Star Spangled Banner, adapted for the National Anthem in 1931.

If you choose not to stand for the National Anthem, because of the symbolism of the flag, then don’t blame the flag. Blame the individuals who dishonor what it stands for by their actions or words.

This is not the first time that a well known figure did not stand of the National Anthem or salute the flag. I only wish that the people who don’t stand for the National Anthem can tell us what country is utopian where everyone is treated equally and freely no matter what religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation they may be? What countries will give you the freedoms to destroy their national flag and get away with it without any consequences? -Not many.

I don’t care what anybody says. Racism or bigotry is not relegated to one specific ethnic group. Everyone knows that in every ethnic group, there are different classes of people who they look down on.

When I worked for the phone company, I would talk to the janitor (who happened to be white) all the time. I was told by some of my coworkers that I shouldn’t associate with him because they considered him low class. So you see, there are many ethnic groups that are looked down upon.

So when you see someone who is not adhering to the last two sentences of the National Anthem: O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Here’s a suggestion: have buttons made with those last two sentences on them. Whenever you find someone who is not adhering to those words, hand them that button. Just don’t fault the flag. Just remember, the words of the National Anthem  and the  symbolism of the American Flag is what you should be following.

To the pubic figures or anyone in general who chooses not to stand for the flag,we understand  it is your right because we are in America. We understand it is your way of expressing discord with America. Just as you are expressing your freedom, we are expressing ours.

I have visited other countries and some of them were very pleasant, beautiful and my experiences were nice. Then there are others that were frightening where the presence of armed guards were commonplace. All I can say is when I got back home to the United States, it was a relief and I would say, “I’m so glad that I’m an American!”  C.M. & K.M.