What has happened to our national anthem?

Where did it go? It’s been weeks since we last saw and heard the Star-Spangled Banner being played on TV at a NFL game. Has it been canceled at the game, or simply not shown on TV so viewers would not take offense to the action of some kneeling athletes? I’m saddened to see these disrespectful players deliberately taking a knee, but as a veteran, I helped in giving them the right to do so, as it is also my right to see and hear our National Anthem when it is being played.

I’m a football fan. I watch my football from home. I love the game, the halftime show, the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner, the honor guard, the unfurling of the flag, the fans, players, cheerleaders and officials all standing with their hands over their hearts, the police and service personnel standing at attention and saluting, paying respect to the flag and what it represents. I like seeing the rockets going off at the conclusion of the Anthem, the fly-overs by our military. We all love it. Deep down inside, we feel pride in being American. But alas, is this to be no longer?

Someone has made the decision that the viewing public should now see commercials while the game’s opening ceremonies are conducted. Why? Was it simply to keep us from seeing these kneeling players? Who is it that has censored the American public from watching and hearing our anthem?

Hey, this is America! Come on, man!

This story was originally published November 3, 2017 at 11:23 AM with the headline "What has happened to our national anthem?."