Readers Write: U.S. Olympian Gwen Berry turns away from flag and national anthem

The Island Now

Gwen Berry on Saturday at the U.S. Olympic track-and-field trials a U.S. hammer thrower turn away on the podium from the American Flag as the national anthem was played.

This was apparently was a protest against racism. This act I find most appalling as a veteran of the US Navy and had served during the Vietnam era and was proud to have done so. Now a protest is right to do but not in my opinion in this venue.

What Gwen Berry has forgotten that many good Americans have served and died and that is with many different races to preserve these freedoms we all have today. America is not perfect and much is needed to improve race relations.

But respect of the American Flag and the national anthem is the right thing to do for all that gave their lives.

Many Americans served in many wars and conflicts and left friends, families, homes and jobs to serve the greater good.

All this to allowed Gwen Berry to represent America in the Olympics. Now Gwen Berry think about all this.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr.

Bellerose

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