There we stood, fifty different business people gathered together, staring at one of the last sizable pieces of steel found at the site of the World Trade Towers with our tour guide taking us back to the moment. As an experience, the 9/11 Memorial is surreal. Immediately, it takes you back to the precise details of what was going on that day as if it were happening right there in real time. The immersive aspects of both the museum and our tour guide brought the events of September 11, 2001, into the present, and reminded me of the strength and beauty of our collective American spirit.
Tears rolled freely. So many people with lost friends, relatives, siblings. The guide spoke about the shared memory of the event. She told us stories of the overwhelming kindness and grace of strangers coming together to save lives, often to their peril. As I stood there, surrounded by friends and colleagues, I felt how blessed we are to live in the greatest country in the world!
Recently an NFL starting quarterback began his own tradition of not saluting the flag and participating in the national anthem. Standing there in the face of such incredible patriotism and American fortitude, I thought to myself: what if Colin Kaepernick were on this tour right now? Would he possibly continue his inappropriate, absurd, unpatriotic behavior? I think not.
While I believe in our Bill of Rights and the blessings afforded to us because of our Constitution, there is still a certain sense of patriotism, loyalty, and responsibility we should take on for our country. Our privileges are afforded to us with a moral price tag, to be honored, rather than abused. When you’re a professional athlete with national attention on you on a weekly basis, this onus is very much upon you.
So, Colin, I suggest you take the 9/11 tour, start living your life more in the moment and loyal to our country, and maybe you’ll even get back to winning both on and off the field. The current path isn’t accomplishing much of either.
GOD Bless America!
