U.S. veteran respects kneeling athletes for exercising First Amendment right

As a U.S. Army veteran who was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam era, a 24-year employee of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools serving military families overseas, and an American Red Cross reservist with three deployments to Iraq in support of the U.S. Armed Forces, I take pride in standing at attention when our national anthem is being performed or when the American flag passes by.

When I entered into military service, I swore to uphold, defend and bear true allegiance to the Constitution of the United States, which I interpret to include standing up for the rights of those who express opinions with which I may not always agree. Though I choose to stand during the playing of our national anthem, I respect the sincerity of those who elect to kneel as a way of exercising their First Amendment right when they believe the rights of others are being violated in some way.

Having lived through the 1960s, I’ve seen how our flag and those who served in the Armed Forces were disrespected by protesters, and that is not the case with what is happening today. Kneeling is not disruptive, it is a respectful gesture, and I have yet to hear someone who kneels make a disparaging comment about those who remain standing. On the contrary, any disruption that occurs during those moments is due to the reactions of people who disapprove of the kneeling.

As a veteran, I appreciate athletes who care enough for their country and Constitution to express their concerns by taking a knee, when it would be so much easier for them to care only for themselves.

This story was originally published October 20, 2017 at 11:20 AM with the headline "U.S. veteran respects kneeling athletes for exercising First Amendment right."