Standing With Those Who Kneel

To the Editor: 
Being old allows one’s simple story to be a unique history lesson for young observers.
I served three years in the Army and spent a period of that time with the Honor Guard. The glory of the parades and ceremonies was overshadowed by the burial details for the young soldiers being returned from Vietnam. I saw flags thrown to the ground by grieving family members, and I understood.
I served in the Elks club, a group dedicated to supporting crippled children. I served in the Kiwanis, whose motto is “serving the children of the world.”
I walked, raised funds and served on the committee for the March of Dimes Walk America. I’ve walked for the wounded.
I presided over the taxpayer’s association for my community. I marched against discrimination, side by side with the late Dorothy Mack from NAACP (The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). I walked through our woods to find, feed and aid our homeless.
I consider myself a good American, and I stand with those who kneel. I understand and appreciate the peaceful and respectful protest by many of our gridiron greats.
Taking a knee to call attention to an issue that escalates every time we look away, is not spitting, stomping, burning or anything that is disrespectful to our flag. To kneel is to genuflect; the forethought was to be reverent at these observances. No disrespect was meant to our flag or any of the institutions that have been maliciously drawn into what is now a political perversion.
It is disgraceful of those attempting to distort this entire matter. The athletes involved know they have been gifted and are only trying to use their influence for others who have not fared so well. Do not allow their benevolent intent to be maligned by political pretense.