generation, grew-up acutely aware of those in our families who had served, it seems today that the discussion revolves around our great-great relatives and even then, most families aren’t aware why or how their relatives served. This country is not without problems. We dream of a perfect world, but that takes work and unification. I believe it starts with individuals working to understand each other. It continues in civil discourse and respect for differing views. It requires striving to understand another’s point of view. We have come through a contentious presidential election. In some instances, civility was thrown aside, along with mutual understanding. Protests that followed included not standing for “The Star Spangled Banner.” I do not debate It’s a flag. It’s red, white and blue. It flies over capitols and behind podiums. It has flown in and around many public and private venues since the birth of this country. It represents us and our ideals. Men and women have died on fields of battle because of this flag and the ideals for which it stands. It is a flag, yet it represents so much more. A recent controversy started when an NFL quarterback failed to stand during the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” to protest racial divides and inequalities. I cannot argue his cause, nor would I debate his right to protest, but he may want to visit a veterans’ hospital if he hasn’t already, as a reminder of what so many sacrificed in order to give him that right. Or he may want to visit a national cemetery if he hasn’t already, as a reminder of how many gave their lives, the ultimate sacrifice for his freedom. I hope he would realize that each grave marking stands for an individual, each of whom was part of a family, and that many of them left behind spouses and young children. Those families endure far-reaching consequences beyond what can be seen at a hospital or a grave. Somehow, this nation’s history has not impacted all of our country’s students. This may be due to the fact that fewer and fewer families have any ties to the military. Although I, and many of my 144 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 the right of protestors to do so, but I do ask them to do so with respect for our flag. Recently, there was a story claiming that the pilot of an aircraft asked passengers to remain seated while a Gold Star family exited before them. As the family passed through the first-class cabin, they were unfortunately booed. First class was anything but first class that day. This family had lost one of its members in the fight to preserve our country’s ideals, ideals represented by our red, white and blue flag and “The Star Spangled Banner.” There are so many ways to right wrongs, but being disrespectful to our flag and to the national anthem does not honor those who sacrificed so much to give us those rights. I ask that you stand whenever our national anthem is played as a way of saying “thanks” to those who gave so much and to those who continue to give. 9 EDITOR’S NOTE: Dick Crippen, a staple in Tampa Bay broadcasting for more than 40 years, is a senior adviser for the Tampa Bay Rays, and works extensively with the military. He is active in the world of charity fundraising and sits on 11 boards for nonprofit organizations. COMMAERNTTARY IT’S A FLAG By Dick Crippen Dick Crippen
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