I visited a local pub for lunch Wednesday, purposely around 1 p.m. to see the start of the Blue Jays game.
During the national anthem I stood in respect to the flag and our country. I, sadly, was the only one that did. If I was in a pub in England, Germany, or the USA and the respective national anthem was playing, you can be assured that everyone would stand — probably sing along as well.
We truly live in the best place on earth but have we become so arrogant and complacent that we can’t stand for our national anthem? Apathy is a sad result when we take for granted what we have. Think of how many have died to protect the flag, the anthem, and all that it stands for.
I was deeply saddened by the strange looks I received from a table of young men that didn’t even have the respect to remove their hats during the anthem. Can we not do better?
Ernie Blumke
Penticton