I have been standing for the National Anthem but I fully understand and support Colin Kaepernick and others for kneeling.

If the Nation isn’t going to stand up for what the flag represents, why should we stand for the flag?

My grandfather on my father’s side fought in WWII. My grandfather on my mother’s side served in the Navy. I have uncles on my mother’s side who served. We are a military family and I love and support our veterans.

But…

What they fought for is meaningless if our rights and freedoms are being threatened here at home.

Therefore, I stand up both for the flag *and* for those who kneel before it.

And if y’all keep acting the fool, I’ll have to start kneeling too.

Okolo Schwinn-Clanton