We Should All Show Some Respect
Recently I attended a local high school basketball game where I noticed something that concerns me as a patriot.
For years in America, before any sporting event, our nation had a tradition that has now become a mockery to most.
Our national anthem is either played by a recording or sung aloud by a fortunate individual, in order for all Americans- young or old, players or spectators- to stand, face our beautiful flag, place a hand over their hearts or salute if in uniform for a service and pay tribute to an amazing nations that allows us to play basketball, baseball, tennis or whatever sport it may be. This tribute takes only a moment during which everyone should remain quiet, still and show respect for the ones who have fought so very proudly and died for that very flag and anthem.
I served for four years in the United States Marine Corps. I am 25 years of age. In those four years, I became a sergeant; I served as infantryman and I was proudly a part of Operation Enduring Freedom after the Sept. 11 attacks.
As I stood with my hand over my heart, I noticed the utter disrespect of most everyone around me.
People were talking, laughing, wrestling and even sucking on a lolipop so loudly and rudely I considered it a sal in the face of a great nation.
Where have we gone wrong?
For day one, I was always taught to stand with my hand on my chest and pay respect to our country. Both of my grandfathers served in Korea. I have already spoken of my service. I have lost friends in this war.
Maybe I do have a little more heartache about this because of my background, but that is beside the point.
It saddens me and disgusts me when i witness the disrespect that I did at this game. In the last 250 years, there have been many brave men and women who voluntarily stood up and fought for this great nation, This is the very reason that when I hear the anthem and stare at our flag (and i emphasize OUR flag), I have tears in my eyes and chill bumps on my flesh.
Please teach the meaning behind the anthem and our traditions to your children. And to those who are guilty, please show some respect; it is the least we can do as Americans.
-Sgt. Matthew K. Forbes
Lynchburg
For years in America, before any sporting event, our nation had a tradition that has now become a mockery to most.
Our national anthem is either played by a recording or sung aloud by a fortunate individual, in order for all Americans- young or old, players or spectators- to stand, face our beautiful flag, place a hand over their hearts or salute if in uniform for a service and pay tribute to an amazing nations that allows us to play basketball, baseball, tennis or whatever sport it may be. This tribute takes only a moment during which everyone should remain quiet, still and show respect for the ones who have fought so very proudly and died for that very flag and anthem.
I served for four years in the United States Marine Corps. I am 25 years of age. In those four years, I became a sergeant; I served as infantryman and I was proudly a part of Operation Enduring Freedom after the Sept. 11 attacks.
As I stood with my hand over my heart, I noticed the utter disrespect of most everyone around me.
People were talking, laughing, wrestling and even sucking on a lolipop so loudly and rudely I considered it a sal in the face of a great nation.
Where have we gone wrong?
For day one, I was always taught to stand with my hand on my chest and pay respect to our country. Both of my grandfathers served in Korea. I have already spoken of my service. I have lost friends in this war.
Maybe I do have a little more heartache about this because of my background, but that is beside the point.
It saddens me and disgusts me when i witness the disrespect that I did at this game. In the last 250 years, there have been many brave men and women who voluntarily stood up and fought for this great nation, This is the very reason that when I hear the anthem and stare at our flag (and i emphasize OUR flag), I have tears in my eyes and chill bumps on my flesh.
Please teach the meaning behind the anthem and our traditions to your children. And to those who are guilty, please show some respect; it is the least we can do as Americans.
-Sgt. Matthew K. Forbes
Lynchburg