Regarding the NFL’s national anthem
controversy, a common view among our veterans is that they served our country
so that Americans have a right to protest. I appreciate their service and
viewpoint. In yesterday’s New York Times, a veteran went further in support of
dissent. For Memorial Day, I share Mr. MacKenzie’s brief letter.
***
If commercial football
continues to insist that it knows the only way to respect flag, anthem and
country, I would see nothing wrong with taking a knee myself in the stands when
they play the anthem or fly warplanes over the field. It would cost me nothing
— nothing close to the financial risks of some conscientious athletes.
I love my country and its
songs and flag. I am a Navy veteran whose brother died flying in World War II.
So I am secure in my own patriotism, unwilling to be instructed about it by a draft-dodging
president or his kowtowing sports flag-wavers.
JOHN P. MACKENZIE
LONG ISLAND CITY, QUEENS
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