But if I am interpreting this all correctly, the focus seems to be would/did you, a veteran, think LESS of those who did stand, I know my hubby, a marine who saw combat, would not, even if he continued to eat, he would not consider those who did stand a non-patriotic at all. That's the part that just doesn't make sense. It makes me think of something I never considered; are those who quietly bow their heads without fanfare, and SILENTLY say a pray before a meal in public, actually judged by those around them ? Never considered that, but it's the same category of comparison.

That's the beauty of our nation, you don't have to. If we all lived in China, or in North Korea, none of us would dare refuse, and we'd all keep a picture of the "dear leader" in a prominent place in our homes. Here we can chose to NEVER have any picture of any politician in our home if we choose, yes, I am so lucky to be an American. Just to throw it in, I also like that our justice system differs from many other democracies in that here you are innocent until proved guilty, not the opposite !

I would stand for the Pledge and don't think there is anything wrong with the band doing what they did. If some don't stand, so what.

Exactly. I'm a vet too and the only song I'll stand for is the national anthem. Standing for Greenwood's song spread in the villages like a cult.

That was the point of the original post... Standing for the Pledge...

The thread was never about standing for Greenwood's song...

The original poster even clarified that point!

I went back and read it. I don't see a clarification between the girl singing and the song. What's your reason to attack me? Because I view different?

Just think about this: what OLD people are thinking about this on here; I wonder what these YOUNG college kids feel about it.
I know, Asta La Vista America, you are no more.

That was a long time ago. I had forgotten. I stand corrected. Thank you!

Given some of the paranoid responses on TOTV. many are still looking.
Just because you can't see them, it doesn't mean they are not there.:icon_wink:

I don't understand why the Pledge is used at so many functions that have nothing to do with loyalty to the U.S. The pledge and song represent the freedom of a country where you should have the right / freedom to say the pledge or not and sit or stand for the song at your choosing. Why do you feel someone owes 'duty' to this country just because they were born here? There are also religious references in the Pledge as well. How do you think a Muslim, Hindu or atheist feel spouting loyalty to 'One Nation Under God'? If this country is going to Demand loyalty from everyone who is born here, then its not the country of Freedom that the pledge and song are about.

At first reading this response I said “what the hell!!!” After thinking a bit more I agree with the points made but I will still stand to acknowledge the message in the song. As for the pledge, I would recite that whenever and wherever without a second thought.

No comment. Shame we don’t have a simple “thumbs down” emoji.

Totally agree! Air Force retiree here!!!

That song became famous in the 9/11 era if my old mind serves me correctly.

Pledge of allegence used to equal STAND; and a CHILD leading it... represent. How terrible for a child to see old adults sitting that could stand for the PLEDGE, not a song that is not the anthem. Just a thought.

Similar to opening in prayer!

The Greenwood song? I first remember it being popular during the first Gulf War in the early 90s.

I agree with the original post. (Army officer.)

We’re living in America where they choose to live! The Pledge is basically showing You believe in our Flag and America. Like opening in Prayer, showing People, In GOD we Trust!

From Wikipedia:

"God Bless the U.S.A." (also known as "Proud to Be an American"[2][3][4]) is an American patriotic song written and recorded by American country music artist Lee Greenwood, and is considered to be his signature song. The first album it appears on is his 1984 album You've Got a Good Love Comin'. It reached No. 7 on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart when originally released in the spring of 1984, and was played at the 1984 Republican National Convention with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan in attendance, but the song gained greater prominence during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991 as a way of boosting morale. As a result of its newfound popularity, Greenwood re-recorded the track for his 1992 album American Patriot.

The popularity of the song rose again sharply after the September 11 attacks and during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the song was re-released as a single, re-entering the country music charts at No. 16 and peaking at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart in 2001.[5] A new version of the song was recorded in 2003 and released as "God Bless the U.S.A. 2003."

The song has sold over a million copies in the United States by July 2015.[6]

It’s a great song, but…
 

It’s a great song and has been long before it now seems to be associated with a certain politician.

That said it is NOT our national anthem and there is no formal reason to stand when the song is played. If one chooses to stand that’s fine but nobody should be disappointed or stunned if someone chooses not to stand.

As far as the Pledge goes, all who are able should stand in my opinion.

Last time I checked, this is a free country, this is not about respect, it is about what someone else belives everyone else must do. Is this America or China? Think about what you said OP.

It seems American to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. That’s the one thing in our country that should be apolitical. Love when people stand together as a country despite their other beliefs, particularly in support of our servicemen.

I stand for the flag and kneel for God. It doesn't matter to me if you stand or not stand for the Pledge. I do because it's how I feel about America, but you have a choice. The song is nice but it's just a song. America is so disrespected around the world that even its own citizens disrespect her. Read the Bill of Rights. Many countries around the world do not give their citizens a choice.

Try telling your feelings about not standing for the pledge of allegiance to a room full of widows or families who lost loved ones who lost their loved ones protecting your freedom.
Truly us veterans don’t need your respect. You’re only fooling yourself, not us .

Yankee

The song is actually titled “God Bless the USA”

It is a free country because of the men and women who died defending it . Keep in mind the 20 million veterans living in the USA see you sitting during the pledge of allegiance know exactly what you’re really saying to them by sitting. By the way our military is all volunteer unlike China.

We veterans don’t care if you
choose to disrespect them . We don’t need your support and know exactly what you’re all about .

Really, are you a vet or
cop or “ firefighter”. Actually, were u a fan of controversial Lee.
Maybe Hayfire or Clark Barios are ashamed to play the National Anthem that I salute when played but choose to sit as you might put it stand up and hold hand next to
someone who might have been at Logan Airport calling me a baby killer. So John Dixon and 501 both play the Anthem not the fake news anthem played by the pre-mentioned Hayfire and Barios band. Thanks for bringing this up for us saluting Nam Vets.

It’s been ok to do whatever one wishes for the last 7 years. The rhetoric has been different, but the actions say otherwise. Sad.

Did it ever occur to you they were Canadian or from another country? :welcome:

What if our all volunteer military
felt the same way as you and all chose not to serve. Are you ok with that too ?

Totally agree
 

I’m with you, Charlie! Only in The Villages do people judge your “patriotism” by how many American flags adorn your golf cart and whether you stand for a hokey country song. I can handle all the dirty looks I receive while I remain in my seat.

Worse from young people. Do they even know our Pledge.?

WOW!!! Call me old fashioned if you must because I even stand and get choked up when I see our flag being raised when an American wins a gold medal at the Olympics

You mean like the flags the cult flies here in TV? (and no I don't mean the "un-doctored" Stars and Stripes):spoken:

you don't stand for the pledge of allegiance? Wow

It's ironic that those who yell the loudest about fighting for your freedom are also those that yell the loudest when you exercise those freedoms.