Patriotism is defined as “love for or devotion to one’s country.”

Our flag is a representation of our freedom and the sacrifices our military have made defending our country and the Constitution; which is the bedrock of our democracy.

Our veterans' sacrifices to support and defend the U.S. Constitution are a vivid declaration of how much they believed in the document’s content and purpose. The Constitution protects every citizen’s right to assemble peacefully, allows and protects their right to freedom of speech. No one, not even the president of the United States, can take that away from them.

Patriotism evolves from the love that someone has for their country; it emanates from within the heart accompanied with a feeling of pride. It’s something each individual experiences personally; it’s something that is felt within and cannot be dictated.

In reference to standing for the National Anthem, it is a personal decision based on the pride a person has for their country’s past, present and future.

The president has a false sense and understanding of true patriotism. Although he praises the military, he doesn’t apologize for his inflammatory comments towards widows of the fallen and lashes out against people of honor such as Robert Mueller. A president that deceives the public with lies, uses the military as a prop for his ego and assaults the freedom of the press. A fake patriot who, five times, used deferments to avoid serving his country during a time when it was considered “cowardly” to do so.

Even his leadership style is unpatriotic in regard to the National Anthem and the Constitution and more fitting of this definition. Fascism: “Characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition and control of industry and commerce.”

Using the Trumpian vocabulary, “It’s very, very, very, very sad.

Signed, a veteran.