Disrespect of the flag is a slap in the face to vets. As a veteran who gave 22 years of my life to defend Old Glory, I am deeply saddened by the disrespect shown by certain sports professionals to our flag during the singing of our national anthem.

This conduct is a slap in the face to all those who are currently serving, or have served our nation, and is a way of saying, “no thank you for your service.”

Furthermore, the wishy-washy attitude of NFL management to properly deal with this problem is appalling. Although I feel people have the right to protest, and I support equal treatment for all in the eyes of the law, it should be in a forum other than disrespect for our flag. I continue to believe that our system of government, in spite of its faults, is the best in the world to work toward a one-world, one-people, one-love goal.

Jerry Funk

Lehighton