Honor the flag when it really matters

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There are, generally, only three days on the calendar each year when I feel truly and emotionally tied to my country's flag.

Memorial Day. Independence Day. Veterans Day.

That's it.

Not on Super Bowl Sunday. Not before a World Series game. And certainly not before an NBA All-Star Game, even with the late, great Marvin Gaye offering his soulful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," in Los Angeles, in 1983.

And I respect the flag, always. Don't get me wrong. Love my country as much as the next American.

Like you, when the call comes at a ballpark or arena, I stand, remove my customary, dingy baseball cap, place it over my heart, and face our flag.

And it all feels a bit cheap. A bit forced.

Why? I'm at a game. I'll say it again. A. Game.

It feels like a major disservice to the women and men who fought and died under this flag, because, in my opinion, very few of us are thinking of them while watching athletes getting ready to compete.

We cannot properly revere those we should when we are focused on whether our team is prepared or scanning to see if someone's going to kneel or raise a fist during the anthem.

That's why I suggest and challenge all American sports organizations -- from the pros down to Pee Wee -- to do away with the tradition, save for those competitions, perhaps, that happen to fall on the last Monday in May, July 4 or November 11. Or, if one of the service academies is competing.

Would this make us less patriotic, less proud of our nation? I think not. I would argue, in fact, the opposite would hold true; that on the few, very special occasions where we are all asked to stand and honor our flag -- and those who sacrificed their lives and their time in service to the United States of America -- that we actually would do just that. Reverent hearts. True respect. Focused. How glorious!

And not complicated or distracted by a game.

Simply stated, I do not believe sports rise to a level of importance worthy of including what should be a sacred acknowledgment of people to whom we all owe great gratitude, for creating our way of life or protecting it. Or both.

I would grant an exception to international competition, where an American athlete or team is recognized for their sporting accomplishments on the world stage.

But we have become so conditioned to the flag/'Banner' ritual in sports that it's now mere background noise. It means too little to too many. Those watching on TV rarely take part. They're grabbing another beer or refilling a plate of nachos. Or, dare I say, going to the bathroom. Some talk throughout the ceremony. Even chomp vigorously on gum.

So let's stop it. The flag deserves better. These moments require our full attention.

Instead, go to a national cemetery on Memorial Day. Or, gather with your fellow Americans on the Fourth of July to wish our nation, "Happy Birthday" (should be more than a barbecue, swimming pools and fireworks). How about a Veterans Day parade? No game or match should make any of us feel any greater sense of pride than on those three somber, if not celebratory occasions. We remember. We rejoice. A great many people died (or put their lives on the line) for our freedom, and we should reserve these tributes especially for them on days specifically designated for such.

The vast majority of us, I submit, don't require dozens (if not hundreds/thousands) of daily sporting events to remind us how fortunate we are. Yet, we are presented with countless opportunities to show, well, if I'm being candid, our apathy.

We don't take this seriously enough.

In this vein, less is so much more.

And we should give less a try.

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That's my take. What's yours? Fire off your comments!

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