Re: Sept. 20 sports story.
Is America becoming the land without values and respect for each other? The national anthem is a symbol of this country’s freedom and the respect for those who fought for this country, as eloquently phrased by “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Using a sporting event at any level to protest the need for a societal change is not the place, nor is using the national anthem to exploit such expression an acceptable means. I challenge those who have a desire to express their views in such a forum to contact their respective local councilperson and/or state legislators to let your feelings be known, as this is the appropriate setting to initiate change.
Garry Wolff, Denver
Author Edward Hale, grand-nephew of Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale, said, “I cannot do everything, but still I can do something … .” Athletes who kneel or sit through the national anthem are “doing something.” They are exercising their First Amendment right of free speech. They are to be complimented for bringing attention to injustice.
I honorably served 25-plus years in our armed forces, defending our Constitution and supporting the rights of our citizens. I stand by the rights of these athletes. If enough of us have the courage to “do something,” no matter how small, to help correct the racial, social and financial injustices in our society, then change will occur.
Michael Dennis, Castle Rock
As more and more athletes protest the national anthem, let us all remember that our soldiers fought and died, from Belleau Wood to Normandy, not so much that we can stand and sing together at football games, but so that we have the freedom to kneel in protest instead.
James F. Wood, Golden
Submit a letter to the editor via or check out our for how to submit by e-mail or mail.
