9:54 a.m.
Sunday, October 1, 2017 9:52 am

Many New England Patriots took a knee in protest at last Sunday's game, but what, exactly were they protesting? (WJAR photo)

A statement today from Move America Forward, a nonprofit supporting out troops overseas.

Last Sunday football players from every team in the country shocked most mainstream Americans when they decided, with some exceptions, to protest America and disrespect the flag by choosing to kneel during the National Anthem rather than stand together with hands over their hearts.
We've got to do something to correct the negative perception. We can't let our troops see these images and come to the conclusion that Americans back home have stopped supporting them. They need to know that despite what gets on TV, there are still Americans who defend them!

This kind of imagery has a negative effect on every chow hall overseas where our troops gather for a meal. It's usually the only chance they get to watch American TV ... and this is what they see? Their favorite athletes disparaging the flag they themselves are risking life and limb to protect.
What do these protests mean?
Most Americans and even the players taking a knee were themselves confused about the messaging. Were they protesting injustice? Protesting America as a whole? Or simply standing against Trump? Or did they just do it to show solidarity with their teammates? It's confusing, and each player's motivations are his own. But regardless of the reason, the appearance is the same ... disrespect to the Stars and Stripes.
Like most Americans, sports are a needed distraction from life sometimes. We turn to sports for entertainment and to get our minds off of the troubles we face. For our troops, they are often facing life and death threats. They definitely need the distraction that sports provides, and it is awful to think they have to watch these displays while they are away from friends and family and in mortal danger.