An American flag, large enough to take up most of Tower Avenue in Centralia, is carried through the downtown streets during the Summerfest parade in 2016.
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O say can you see by the stadium light
What once all so proudly had hailed?
Though the crowd still stands, hearts covered by hands,
The gridiron stalwarts have bailed.
Some took a knee, as if needing some rest
Before all the stress of the game.
Those poor guys have much that weighs on their minds,
Such as touchdowns and money and fame.
Others just hoped that the issue'd be moot
If in cold locker rooms they could hide,
But the fact is, they showed disrespect to the flag,
With their gutlessness thus amplified.
So why should we blame them for acting this way
As the Anthem is played by the band?
How dare we, the spectators, heap them with scorn
Instead of applauding their "stand?"
They say it's their choice to do as they wish
To make whate'er statement they want;
Maybe, but they are forgetting one thing
When they practice that in-your-face flaunt.
And that little thing is: If they have a choice,
Then, obviously, so do we all;
Each weekend we'll find other great things to do
Instead of supporting their gall.
