As American citizens, we respect your freedom of expression because respecting the beliefs, opinions, and rights of others is our responsibility as citizens of the United States. In return, we expect reciprocity. As Americans, we also respect and obey local, state, and federal laws because it is our responsibility as citizens. Correspondingly, we expect others to do the same.

Although it is human nature to be self-interested and satisfy one’s emotional need for belongingness, in America, country comes before self. Perhaps this notion is easier to comprehend for those who serve in the Armed Forces, but before one can belong to a certain ethnic, racial, or social group in America, one must first consent to be an American. Granting Americans an incredible amount of freedom, consent also comes with an incredible amount of responsibility. Consent is what enables all Americans to serve their country as well as defend the Constitution and the rights it guarantees. In regard to the freedom of expression, or any right for that matter, how we choose to exercise our rights speaks volumes as to who we are as a person and what we stand for.

Because a novel could not do justice why the flag is internationally recognized as the symbol of freedom, drapes the caskets of those who have honorably served, and is saluted by men and women in uniform, may the following excerpts serve as a form of enlightenment:

U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8
“No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America.”

U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 9
“…persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention.”

The American’s Creed
“I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.”

Not standing for the national anthem is not a protest so much as it is a self-interested act that suggests a blatant disregard for American citizenship. A mockery of the United States Code and The America’s Creed, the act ignores public-mindedness. Thankfully, America is the land of opportunity just as much as it is the land of second chances. 

If this letter neither persuades you to stand during the national anthem nor convinces you to require others to do the same, please provide a rational response to enlighten the American citizenry.

-An American citizen