I feel a need to weigh in on the ongoing controversy with the kneeling or whatever during the playing of the national anthem, regardless of where it is occurring.

In my mind, there is no question of the right to protest; however, I feel there is a time and place to protest. Anything other than standing, cap in hand and hand on heart is what one does when the national anthem is being played preceding a game, during a parade, or whenever.

While attending high school soccer games, I am appalled at young people (and others) who just don’t seem to know what they should be doing during the time the national anthem is being played. I have also witnessed men who remained capped and on their phone while the anthem was being played.

I don’t believe that when people do other than what should be done during the playing of the national anthem that their actions are disrespectful toward veterans or whatever excuse is applied. Such actions are plain and simple disrespect to the flag and country … period.

Marc Jalbert, Lewiston