Well-paid football players benefit from the flag, should support it

Athletes should respect U.S. flag

Apparently many well-paid football players do not realize that they received their opportunities because of the many sacrifices made by Americans under the banner of the American flag. Many Americans sacrificed home, family and children to serve under the American flag when our country and people were at risk.

My grandfather was gassed during World War I and eventually died from that exposure. My unclewas activated the first week after Pearl Harbor and spent the war on active duty in the Pacific. My brother served aboard an aircraft carrier. And I gave up a student deferral from the draft and served two years during the Korean conflict.

Not many people I served with wanted to be in the military, but we thought it was a responsibility we owed to our country and our neighbors and for our opportunity to live in this great society.

The American flag is a symbol of the many good and great things we enjoy by living here, and it is to be honored and not disrespected. I have not and will not attend or watch a professional football game or any sport where proper honor and respect is not accorded our flag for which so many have suffered or died so that we can enjoy our lives here. Athletes should honor that flag under which they are able to play their games.