Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand in honor of the National Anthem and flag may well be within his constitutional rights, but his actions are much less than wise. Kaepernick contends that the flag cannot be given due honor and respect because of the chronic mistreatment of African-Americans historically and in recent months. His facts in this regard are accurate and cannot be argued. But Kaepernick’s actions fail in two critical ways.
First, Kaepernick misappropriates the purpose of the flag. The flag and national anthem represent the best ideas of what America should be, and should not be viewed as symbol of our national failures. The flag is a constant reminder that America as an idea aspires towards freedom and equality. These definitions do not change based upon the failure of Americans to fully live them out. Thus, Kaepernick is right to protest the failure of American efforts where equality is concerned. But making the flag, the very reminder of what we should be, the object of his protests is misguided. Indeed, a better action would be to use the flag to remind the nation of what our highest aspirations are and thus contrast that with current realities. This action would be both sobering and convicting.
Second, as a veteran and African-American, I often marvel at previous generations of African-Americans (particularly veterans) and their approach to patriotism and injustice. Consider that in World War II blacks enlisted by the thousands, eager to combat Nazism at sea, in the air and on land. Their eagerness to stand up and serve grew when veterans, like the Tuskegee Airmen, pressed for the opportunity to fight alongside their white counterparts. Often these requests were denied and the black soldier was relegated to menial servant duties versus front line action.
During the Korean War, black soldiers finally shared foxholes with their fellow white soldiers in an effort to stem the rolling tide of communism. War-time bonds were formed between blacks and whites, though many returned home to a segregated South.
During the Vietnam War, black service members fought in the dense jungles of Southeast Asia with full knowledge that the fight for civil rights was taking place at home. Undeterred by the treatment of black soldiers during wars past, many of us fought with pride in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
What explains the black veterans willingness to serve, fight and die for a country with such a difficult history? The most plausible answer is that this generation of African Americans believed in the idea of America and the symbols that reflect such ideas. This generation of black Americans understood the difference between fighting for what America must be versus disrespecting those very same ideas.
As a black Gulf war veteran, I am proud to have worn the American flag on my shoulder in service to our less than perfect country. I acknowledged the sacrifice and support of our nation by my forefathers, and have good reason to salute the flag with pride and to continue to believe in the idea of America.
Clarence Mingo is auditor of Franklin County in Columbus, Ohio. Thinking of submitting an op-ed to the Washington Examiner? Be sure to read our guidelines on submissions.
