What does the National Anthem/US Flag Really Mean anymore???

With the recent article about the kid who won the bet for $20 to urinate on a baseball field while the national anthem was playing, came this thought. What are our kids being taught about the National Anthem/US Flag. Whether they are athletes or not has no real importance, though I am sure the athletes are exposed to hearing it played more than the average teenager.

My parents did not serve in the military, though my husband's father did and I have heard many stories about the time he spent there. When I would listen to him as well as relatives of my own, I could only imagine the things they must have gone through serving our country. The pain and the memories that most will never be able to forget.

Having been an athlete in both high school and college - as well as coaching at levels ranging from rec t-ball through college, I must admit the more sporting events I attend, the more disheartened I become. My parents always taught me to respect members of the military, the flag, the national anthem, God and my free rights as a US citizen.

However, at every event that I attend I can not help but let my eyes roam, as I listen to the song I have heard played so many times before. Not only do I see athletes who pay little tribute, but many coaches as well. I am always watching to see which "role models" will remove their hats (when applicable) and place it over their heart to honor those who serve, past-present and future. Many coaches stand with their hands behind their back, some bow their heads - maybe to pray for those being remembered, but few actually place their hand over their heart, something we were taught to do in elementary school. Then again we had prayer to start our day back then too and look where that has ended up.

On a positive note, I was at a recent high school baseball game and noticed as the speakers began to play the national anthem, that not only did those attending the game stop to salute the flag and pay tribute, but the soccer players on the field below stopped their practice, the track team stopped running, even the young boys playing the ever so popular wall ball, or backyard games stopped, removed their hats and some - even with the wrong hand - placed it across their chests. Not everyone honored our flag in the same way, but I smiled with tears in my eyes and thought - yes, some do still know what it means to be an American.

 

Great post, one can only imagine what our founding fathers sacrificed for our freedom. You're "dead on" it though, I have noticed the same type of behavior. With "Memorial Day" approaching, it's a good time to remember those who have fallen and for those still fighting for our freedom today.