My mother is a Taiwanese immigrant. My father is a public servant and former Army officer. In my family, standing for the national anthem is an honor and privilege. It is an expression of patriotism and gratitude, which I gladly exercise.  It is a reminder that the freedom we share is never to be taken for granted, and has been bestowed upon us through the sacrifices of past generations at a great cost.

The stars and stripes represent the greatest nation conceived by mere mortals. Focused on freedom and liberty, our founders believed in the equality of all men. Our imperfect land of the free has evolved in a manner they could never have imagined. Purple mountains saw women fly to space and lead military troops. Stars burst in the air over the first black president.

My paternal grandfather, the son of German and Italian immigrants (our enemy countries during WWII), served in the Army and proudly flew the flag in his yard every day. My maternal grandfather, who came to America at the age of 39 with no money, no knowledge of the language or culture, and a pressing need to support a family of six, was grateful for the opportunity to forge a new life in America and flew the flag until the day he died.  E pluribus unum is not only our nation’s motto; it is the reality of my family.  

Standing for the national anthem at sporting events evolved from WWII when the nation was at war. It represented an opportunity for common citizens to stand as one to honor those fighting against tyranny and anarchy. It also showcased professional athletes paying their respects and showing the world their commonality as fellow Americans was far stronger than their rivalry in the game.

No matter your team, your race, or your color, we are all Americans. Let us come together. Let us respect the nation that has allowed us the freedoms and the lifestyle that are the envy of the world. Let us thank those who made the ultimate sacrifice for people they do not know: you and me. As taught in youth sports, first the anthem, then the battle, then the hand shakes. Whatever our differences, whatever injustice is yet to be remedied, let us unite. Let us work shoulder to shoulder to make a better day for those we never met: future generations. Freedom of speech is an inalienable American right. Kneeling during the anthem is an expression of that right but it does not make it wise. Kneeling before the flag is a divisive symbol restricting the possibility to work together in unity to achieve desired results.

It is a privilege to live in the United States. I am reminded of that daily by my family’s circumstances. Let us not be divided before the flag. Let us stand together and show the world that paying respects and changing hearts are not mutually exclusive. We can salute the flag and cry out for the downtrodden. We can put our hand on our heart and roll up our sleeves. We can do all things in this great nation we call home.

“This Nation will remain the land of the free so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis