With liberty and justice for all.

That is what our nation’s flag stands for: liberty and justice. It is a symbol of the blood shed by those fighting for our freedoms, the innocence of curiosity to expand and innovate, and America’s humble unity. Citizens honor and show respect for this through many ways, but most notably, by placing hands over hearts while listening to the National Anthem, the ringing of freedom.

“People fight and die for our right to sleep in peace,” said senior Aydan Kraning, “and the National Anthem is just respect to those who protect us.”

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has decided to interpret ole’ glory in a different manner. In protest of what he deems are wrongdoings against African Americans and minorities in the United States, Kaepernick chose to take a knee during the National Anthem.

This disrespectful demonstration, although a right, has caused uproar from football fans, veterans, and all of those in between.

“I’m a very proud American patriot who loves my country and this [demonstration] bothered me a lot,” said head football coach Joe Jones.

Some argue that this is just an example of the right to protest; however, the thought of how they even got this right simply slips from their minds.

And it’s not just Kaepernick. Every morning, students rise for the pledge of allegiance, but that’s just it for some. There are students that rise without putting their hand over their heart, without repeating the pledge, and without paying respect to our great country.

“I used to always tell my classes in the past to stand that you’re not required to say it,” said Jones, “but tell them while you’re exercising your right not to say it, you can think about all the men and women who have died for our country in battles so we can exercise that right.”

As an NFL player, Kaepernick is a role model to many athletes. Being an idolized character, he should have the ethical responsibility to be mindful of his actions. Now there are young athletes across the country copying the act of taking a knee during the National Anthem of the 49ers quarterback on their home fields simply because it is a trend.

“Stand up for the things you believe in, but do it for the right reasons,” said Jones. “Know the purpose and know why you’re doing it.”

Living in a country that is withstanding more turmoil now than ever before, people can’t just mindlessly rebel and protest because it’s ‘cool’. There is no time for unnecessary and overly inflated controversies.

“It seems like now everything gets so divided,” said Jones. “It’s all about coming together.”

Instead of finding more things to disagree on, people should try to remember our history.

This Nation is a melting pot of many people with diverse circumstances and backgrounds; however, the country stands united, or is supposed to. Divisions between people because of race and beliefs are on the rise, but there is a simple solution: unity.

“The more you can do that shows unity the better,” said Jones. “We each have to do our part, we have to keep striving for it.”