WASHINGTON – The national commander of America’s largest and oldest major combat veterans organization is raising his voice in opposition to those who disrespect the flag.
“There is a time and place for civil debate, and wearing team jerseys and using sporting events to disrespect our country doesn’t wash with millions of military veterans who have and continue to wear real uniforms on real battlefields around the globe,” said Keith Harman, a Vietnam combat veteran who leads the 1.7 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliary.
“My oath to protect the Constitution also protects my right to vehemently disagree with how others may choose to air their grievances,” said Harman, who said those who disrespect what most Americans hold dear have forgotten that America is still in a 16-year, multi-front war, against a shadow enemy whose end goal is the total destruction of us as a people and country.
The VFW national commander is saluting former Army Ranger and now Pittsburgh Steeler offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva for showing the rest of his team and the league what true mettle is, and NASCAR team owners Richard Petty and Richard Childress for leading from the front.
“I stand for our flag and anthem,” he said, “and I kneel for our fallen. That’s what patriots do. We rally around the flag of our country, not use it and our Constitution as both shield and sword.”