VI. Standing Together

The Empress of the United States of America wishes to address the debate over kneeling during the National Anthem at sporting events. She would like to ask that all Americans be “on the same team” with regard to honoring their Country.

Despite the horrific abuses suffered by Black Americans as they helped build our Nation, and despite the racism that still very much exists today, The Empress does not support kneeling in protest during our National Anthem.

We must respect our Nation, and those who defend her.

In a free country, we can express ourselves and our justifiable outrage in many ways, but should not defame our Flag or distract from our Anthem. Our American men and women, especially our beautiful, strong, hopeful, and resilient Black Americans, deserve their dignity. The Empress does not want to see anyone on their knees in America, unless they are praying, working, or proposing marriage.

The Empress understands how discrimination and lack of compassion can hurt, and how often compassion has been missing as Black Americans struggle. However, everyone should stand and show respect for the Nation that is constantly evolving and trying to correct past wrongs.

If we, as a Nation, cannot respect our home Country, there is no way we can succeed. It is time to stand together. We must work as an American team, not as separate groups, to fully realize our ideals of freedom and equality. One way we can do this is to stand together, in unity, when we are given the rare opportunity to do so.

When the National Anthem starts, stop what you are doing, remain quiet, and face the flag. Place your hand over your heart. Sing along, if you are so inclined – reflect, and practice gratitude. Never forget the brave men and women who fought and died under those broad stripes and bright stars to defend this great Nation and the freedom for which it stands. Stand tall, in unity with the Black soldiers who have bravely fought in every war since the American Revolution. They fought and died so that we could be an independent Nation, with religious and personal freedoms, opportunities regardless of the circumstances of our birth, an end to slavery so all could be free and united, and to save us from those who would destroy our way of life.

Stand together, and keep fighting for each other. The changes we desire as a Nation will come. It has been a long, hard road, but keep looking forward. We are almost there.