By now, most Americans know about Colin Kaepernick bending a knee during the pre-game national anthem. His protest of racial injustice has been imitated, modified, and vilified.
Some of our nation’s citizens have considered this peaceful protest to be an affront on the military. Somehow, not standing during the anthem is perceived as robbing the servicemen and women of support.
The U.S. military defends all the rights of its citizens, including that of free speech. They face disfigurement and death to maintain our freedom to speak as we choose.
Both active duty and veteran service members are coming out in support of Kaepernick’s protest with the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick and quotes like this:
I really like this tag #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/FPjTih9nzA
— Mars (@MariiMacc) September 17, 2016
https://twitter.com/APompliano/status/770956066549035008
I served for EVERYONE'S freedom. Don't presume to speak for me. I got this. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/ybGxE896wP
— Pumpkin Spice Cat Maid™ (@emeraldjaguar) August 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/Antonio_Ramir3z/status/770992459379642368
May I recommend #VeteransForKaepernick? There are other ways to police that don't involve killing black people too. https://t.co/uQyQ69wYDX
— Hamilton's Squad (@hamiltonssquad) September 13, 2016
U.S. soldiers eat Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) in deserts, and spend holidays far from home.
Why not give them more than a tradition in a stadium? Here are some ideas:
1: Support the United Service Organizations (USO).
The USO, a nonprofit organization, has been comforting soldiers for over 75 years. You can volunteer, fund-raise, send a care package, or even donate. Get more information at the USO website.
2: Support the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFWs).
They have plenty of programs assisting soldiers that make it back home. Buy a poppy, or donate a more substantial amount. The VFW has local posts in many communities. You can learn more on their site.
3: Visit a veteran that you know.
Ask them for stories, if they want to discuss their memories. Bring a snack. Bring your children. Thank him or her personally.
4: Check in with a family that has a dad or mom deployed.
Invite them over for dinner, or have play dates with the kids. Stay in touch, and listen to their needs. Offer to mow the lawn or change the oil of the family vehicle, for instance.
5: Volunteer to help welcome soldiers home.
Alternatively, care for a veterans’ cemetery. Learn more about opportunities at the Veterans Voluntary Service website.
6: Learn about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The symptoms can vary from soldier to soldier. If someone comes home behaving very differently than they did from before they were deployed, PTSD may play a role in the behavior change. You’ll want to know how to help.
These are just a few ideas to show truly meaningful support to the troops. Isn’t that better than browbeating other Americans for expressing their concerns and using the freedom of speech the troops fought for?
Featured Image: Screenshot Via Twitter.
