Talk about ‘taking a knee’ overlooks ‘reverence to the Lord’

“Taking a Knee” used to mean, “Reverence to the Lord”: bowing in respect, pausing by kneeling, genuflecting. Now it appears this gesture has been turned around somehow to indicate disrespect to our nation’s flag.

There have been enough tragedies, wildfires, flooding, hurricanes and more going on that we give misdirected, unnecessary attention to others who are “Taking a Knee” in protest for whatever reason?

I don’t know who makes up these definitions, but due to my age, 79, unless I have a kneeler, and something (a railing) to hold on to in order to get back up, as in church, I stand and put my right hand over my heart, and bow my head in respect to our flag, expressing reverence to my country.

But, “taking the knee” (in protest) instead of standing, was NEVER used to show disrespect to our flag, our nation’s symbol of pride. The few who are allowed to remain seated, are those in wheelchairs or unable to rise.

The NFL’s policy states, players “should” stand for the anthem and some suggested the change to “must” stand.

Who instituted and why are we? Now making a reverse decision when the flag is presented? For those who do not want to pay respect or honor our flag for whatever reason, they should remain seated and silent and hopefully go unnoticed.

For those, especially athletes, who many times, are being paid salaries exceeding $1 million a season, they should be grateful and reverent to God for their talent and abilities.

We are a respectful country, not disrespectful! Isn’t that why America is, “The Land of Opportunity”, “The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave?”

This story was originally published October 26, 2017 at 3:25 PM with the headline "Talk about ‘taking a knee’ overlooks ‘reverence to the Lord’."