National Anthem protest is a right

I have been following with some interest the controversy surrounding Colin Kaepernick and his refusal to stand when the American National Anthem is played.

I am a Vietnam veteran and went to war to protect everyone's right to protest what they perceive as injustice as well as many other things American.

What I find most amusing is that no one seems to care what the Constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court says about this.

The Flag Code (4USC1) , yes there is a Flag Code, addresses the proper ways to display and observe the American Flag (National Color).

What I think is more important than Colin Kaepernick refusing to stand for the National Anthem is the widespread disregard for 4USC1 paragraph 8a on the display of the American Flag. It says that the flag should never be carried horizontally, but allowed to fly free. I suppose that most places and groups that do this think they a respecting the flag by displaying it in this manner. In fact they are showing a lack of respect. There are many other common forms of display that are just as disrespectful, but this is far and away the most visible. I hope this one will stop. The various sports groups need to read the Flag Code and begin to respect the flag.

This story was originally published September 13, 2016 at 10:23 AM with the headline "National Anthem protest is a right."