The flag is a symbol of the United States, the national anthem is the same. We are a nation of rights and freedoms, things that we did not have from England. Over the decades we have protested, fought, and waged wars to protect our freedoms. I served in the infantry for 20 years and when in garrison stood at attention for reveille and for colors in the evening. I saluted the flag many times throughout the day. I did this because I was proud of my country,  and I am proud for the freedoms we have. I have lost friends, too many who sacrificed for our freedoms. I do not see any person taking a knee being disrespectful, they are not yelling, or fighting, they are kneeling in silence. They are exercising their right as American Citizens, just as people that disagree with them. The difference is those kneeling are not telling people they have to kneel, while those standing are demanding those kneeling stand.… Freedom of speech, one of our greatest rights as an American.