Funerals, Flags and Football
Last week was a rough week. Two funerals for a parent of two different good friends. Those obligations just added to what was an already stressful week. Fortunately neither were unexpected. Both of of the passing parents were in their 90’s. It’s never good, though.
The second funeral was for a Navy veteran and he received military honors at his funeral. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen this done. Both my grandfather’s and my mother-in-law’s 3rd husband’s funerals included military honors. It is always a moving and touching display.
The respect for the Flag that the seamen displayed was particularly noteworthy considering the current controversy. I wonder how many of the football players using the National Anthem and Flag presentations as a time to protest have seen this? Would it affect their choices?
I don’t dispute that they have the right to protest. That’s one of the things our Flag represents. Veterans often would be there first to affirm that, though often with a look of despair as they also recognize the disrespect. The Flag represents so much more to so many people. To many, the Flag is sacred. Would the players have better served their cause by choosing another form of protest? it would appear so… My favorite unsourced quote about Free Speech is, “While it is true that you have the right to free speech, you do not have the right to be heard.” To the NFL’s chagrin, some fans are now former fans because of the protests. They’ve chosen not to listen. Probably not what was intended.
I wasn’t an NFL fan before the protests started, but this has brought them onto my radar… and not in a favorable light. Without commentary on their goals, I wish they would have chosen another form of protest. Another comment I heard recently resonates. “If we don’t teach our youth respect for our Country, will they feel bound to protect it if necessary?” There was a news story about a Pee-wee football team that chose to kneel during the national anthem because that’s what their “heros” are doing. We reap what we sow… and sometimes we regret it.
Image borrowed from a Daily Mail article on Beau Biden’s funeral.
3 Responses to Funerals, Flags and Football
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By Alfred Nyby October 17, 2017 - 12:43 pm
How is kneeling during the anthem disrespectful? How is that showing disrespect to the flag? The flag is not owned solely by our veterans. It belongs to all Americans and Americans of all stripes have made sacrifices. Is the nation better served by ignoring our injustices or by shining light on them using peaceful protest?
By Kevin Berger November 1, 2017 - 6:25 pm
Alfred,
Thank you for your response. I’m always pleased when one of my lurkers speaks up. I apologize for being slow on my response.
As I stated, I don’t deny they have the right to protest this way. That is, as long as their employers continue to support them, since they are technically “on the clock”. I agree with you in that it is their flag too. But I believe this is a case of perception becoming reality. Many, including myself, feel this is disrespectful.
I’m not one of the ones suggesting they be fired. I’m not ridiculing them. But I do feel that the Flag and the Anthem are things that can and should bring us all together as Americans. I think their choice to protest during the Anthem was poorly thought out. Instead of shining light on injustices as you put it, they have caused further division. It’s become all about the method of protesting without sparking any discussion of the issues.
Interestingly, I was involved in a conversation regarding this the other night. It was a retired military officer that took your position against the rest of the group. It was a friendly discussion. I think both sides were swayed a little and part of what swayed me was the officer’s background. I did not serve in the military and I have great respect for those that have.
In the end, how people think of the Flag is often something ingrained from childhood. And this is where perception becomes reality; if your audience believes your protest is disrespectful, you are unlikely to sway them. You’ve lost them before they even consider the point you’re trying to make…
Kevin
By Alfred Nyby November 6, 2017 - 6:01 pm
I’m having trouble finding any social justice movements that were not divisive. Women’s suffrage, civil rights, and gay rights movements have all been seen as offensive and divisive. Mainstream America lived in “pretend” harmony as long as women, people of color and gays stayed in the closet and behaved themselves. These movements got nowhere by being polite, accommodating and silent. It wasn’t until they became loud and confrontational, and entered the public square that progress was made. Problems are not solved by ignoring their existence.