Rick Patrick
Columnist
Recently, while I was at a ball game, I saw something that really made me smile. It was time for the National Anthem to be played and I noticed a little girl, perhaps six or seven years old. She was standing with another little one who was much younger, maybe two or three. When the music started, the older one stopped what she was doing, and stopped the younger girl and helped put her hand over her heart and held her still. I smiled at this small display of respect and teaching. There have been times when I have not seen that level of respect from adults.
I remember going to a football game once and the National Anthem began playing. I was standing in front of my seat, which was at the end of the row. A guy tried to get past me to go to his seat while the Anthem was playing. I blocked his way and motioned that he could wait until the Anthem was finished. He took the hint and stood there until the music stopped, at which time I allowed him to pass. A moment later, a gentleman in a seat behind me thanked me for doing that.
I have noticed on many occasions people sitting down while the National Anthem was playing. I even remember, at one time, seeing elected officials sitting down and looking at their phone while the Pledge of Allegiance was being recited. At the time, I made note of that behavior in news stories and those elected officials are no longer elected officials.
To me, respect for others, especially for those who place a great importance on such displays of patriotism, is something that is not difficult and should be taught and promoted. You never know who might be watching and paying attention, here on the Sunny Side.