"Take A Knee" Written by Dr. Natalie Newman

On September 1, 2016, Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco Forty-Niners, knelt during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner to protest police brutality and racism.

Approximately two weeks prior to this event, he had sat during the national anthem; however, after speaking to Nate Boyer, a former NFL player and retired Army Green Beret, he decided that to be more respectful to former and current military members, he would kneel. He was vilified for his actions by many in society who believed he was being disrespectful to the flag, the military, police officers and the United States in general.

I understood exactly what he meant when he took a knee. Martin Luther King, Jr. took a knee during the Civil Rights Movement to pray--in peaceful protest. Colin K. took a knee, also in peaceful protest, because he believed it to be disrespectful to the symbolism of the flag to stand when Black people did not have equal justice in America. As an American and a veteran of the United States Army, I supported his right to kneel.

The American flag has stood and withstood the test of time. During slavery, it stood. During multiple wars, it stood. During Jim Crow, it stood. During the internment of Japanese Americans, it stood. During the slaughter of the indigenous people of America, it stood. During the Civil Rights Movement, it stood. And it still stands, representing Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. And when we witnessed the murder of George Floyd at the hand of law enforcement officers, that flag still stood, waiting for us to honor its significance.

And today, those protesting social injustice and racism kneel, just as Colin K. did 4 years ago. How can we say we honor the flag and all it represents, yet ignore the brutal inequities that exist and continue to exist in our society? Are we not, in fact, disgracing its meaning? There is no pride when innocent Black people are being murdered in the streets, shot in their homes or beaten like dogs by individuals purporting to represent law and order. And these same offenders hold their hands over their hearts and pledge allegiance to the flag. And the republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Is this not the worst example of hypocrisy?

When one kneels with one’s head bowed and eyes lowered, it is to honor. It is a submissive position. It is the greatest sign of respect because it demonstrates humbleness, and at times, shame. We are not yet worthy to stand and face that flag until the injustices are righted and all men and women are treated as equal. Then, and only then, can we stand with our heads held high, our eyes upward and our backs straight, proud to have given that banner that waves in the land of the free and home of the brave, its due respect.

Trust me, it will still be standing. As it always has. Patiently waiting for us to adhere to our promise that all men are created equal.

Natalie Newman, MD, Former major, U.S. Army