In 1814 an American lawyer was being held captive on a Royal Navy vessel where he viewed Britain's assault on Baltimore. From the ship he watched the English rockets distinctive glare as they sailed against the dark sky. The fighting continued all night, but at dawn the American flag still waved. Although Francis Scott Key's occupation was an attorney, history remembers him as the writer of the American National Anthem. Since that night our national anthem has been performed at many locations and for different events, but always it has stood for the freedoms that our men and women have fought for over the years. Even today, they are still serving around the world and fighting for freedoms sake.

I told you a little history to bring you to my problem, and hopefully you can help me solve or correct it. I've noticed this problem a lot lately, and most recently at a high school football game. I see people talking, laughing, fooling around, with ball caps or stocking caps still on, while our national anthem is being performed. This is a time of paying honor to our great nation, and you would think that adults and students could remain still and show respect for a few minutes, to our flag and nation. By doing so we say we are grateful to live in this country, despite some things that are wrong. We say we are paying honor to our country and to those that have served it, and those who are still serving for the freedoms we enjoy so much. We should never take these freedoms for granted, for they have been paid for by the precious blood of men and women of our armed forces. Many of us have loved ones that served our country, some have relatives still serving. There are others who have relatives who have come home with not only physical scars, but emotional ones as well. Then we also have far too many who have paid the ultimate price for freedoms with their lives.

So, if I ask you to remain silent, stand facing the flag, with your hand over your heart and be respectful while our national anthem is being performed, it's not too much to ask compared to the cost. Unfortunately, there are some who would like to see this nation become a 2nd rate nation. By teaching respect for our nation, those that served and still serve, respect for others and their property, and to rely on our Creator for our needs and blessings, we won't have to worry about once again seeing the "rocket's red glare" over our home front. Then we will always remain, "the land of the free and the home of the brave."