To the editor:

I attended the Free State High School band’s end-of-camp show on Aug. 6. To my surprise, no announcement was made prior to the band playing the National Anthem asking all who are able to please stand and remove their hats. What was even more shocking was that several people remained seated and even more didn’t remove their hats.

It is out of respect that we pay tribute to our nation, its flag and our military personnel all over the world by standing and removing hats when our National Anthem is playing. It is such a small thing to do but an important one. Our nation is a great nation and we need to remember that it was not easy making it so. Our military fought hard for what we have and is still fighting for it today!

I would only ask that you consider making an announcement prior to the National Anthem being played at any event asking all who are able to please stand and remove their hats, so as to at least give people the opportunity to do what is right and respectful.

I hope this doesn’t offend anyone, but the lack of respect displayed that night was quite offensive to me. Thank you for considering this opportunity to improve the showing of respect to our nation. God bless America!

Kendra Clouse,

Lawrence