While the Flag Is Important To Serving and Veteran Military People,

[MineralMan]

it does not exist solely for them. Those who have served in any branch of the military generally started their days during active duty hearing the bugle call, "To the Colors." They are aware of that flag all the time. It serves as a symbol of the nation which they serve, either as volunteers or conscripts.

It does not serve as the flag OF the military, though, nor does it represent ONLY the military. It is simply a symbol of our republic and of the nation we inhabit. Active military members are required to stand at attention and salute that flag. Nobody else is so required, however. The rest of us salute the flag voluntarily or may even not salute it in protest of the nation's actions.

The flag does not represent "patriotism," but is a symbol of the nation. When the nation behaves badly or is led poorly, it is everyone's right to protest those conditions in any way they choose. If they choose to take a knee rather than stand at attention, we should notice that protest and listen to discover why people are making that choice.

It is our flag. We may do as we wish when it is presented. That freedom is also what it represents. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

[cwydro]

1. I still remember when I was in the Air Force -

No matter where you were when the music started at the lowering of the flag each day, you had to face in that direction and stand at attention. Dozens of us would race to the nearest buildings lol, when we heard the first notes...no one wanted to stand there throughout the whole thing. We'd laugh at those caught outside.

[MineralMan]

2. Yeah, well, I never did that while in the USAF.

Really, the whole thing took only a very short time. I still stand for the flag and the national anthem. I still say the Pledge of Allegiance as I learned it in grammar school, without "under God."

I have no trouble doing those things, but I also want our nation to do the right thing for everyone, and will do whatever I can to help it do that.

I don't abandon my country when there's something wrong. Instead, I work to try to correct its faults.

That's what I choose to do. Others should do as they choose, as well, as long as it harms nobody. That's what freedom means.