Opinion

On patriotism and sporting events

Posted October 01, 2016 1:00 am

I served in Vietnam in 1970-1971. I cried only once. The American flag was being lowered on foreign soil. I told myself never to cry again in 'Nam.

I watched when the body bags were taken out of the vehicles and laid on the ground. I was completely void of any emotion.

After I returned home, years later in 2006, I joined the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #311 and do Color Guard events. I have to hold back the tears when I watch our flag raised, the Pledge of Allegiance, singing of the national anthem and Taps are played.

Bills coach Rex Ryan said no players have approached him about a possible protest. He said "players have a platform to discuss social issues, but he said there's a better way than during the anthem.

After the game, do these players drive home in their $100,000 cars to their $1 million homes and do nothing else for these social issues? Why don't they get involved with the people that can make things better for everyone?

At any sporting event, I only want to see the TV cameras on our flag and watch the person sing the national anthem.

John Swiderski

Des Plaines

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