Letter to the editor: National anthem deserves respect

John Steigerwald’s suggestion for the NFL in his column “Stop playing national anthem before games” is wrong. The reasons he lists for why the playing of it, starting in 1918 to honor those who died defending our flag in World War I and every war thereafter, is an honor that should not be taken away from us.

I agree people have a right to protest peacefully about things that bother them. And from what has transpired for the past weeks with the death of George Floyd, awareness is needed. But I don’t believe taking a knee during the anthem is the way to go, by anyone. It is disrespectful.

I would offer a solution. Pick a time during the events, games, racing, etc., to hold a moment of silence for the injustices that people have issues with, and they can take a knee — like in baseball when we stand to strike out cancer. Allowing this option gives us a voice to protest in a stronger way than causing a controversy.

Ron Giuliana

North Huntingdon