The issue was broached in light of Colin Kaepernick’s continuing protest against racial injustice in the USA, which has seen the San Francisco 49ers quarterback take a knee during the pregame anthem. But when there are men and women that give their lives for their flag, for their anthem, have given their lives, continue to put themselves on the line with our services for our flag, for our anthem, families that have been disrupted, traumatic physical injuries, traumatic mental injuries for these people that give us the opportunity to do the things we want to do, there’s no chance an anthem and a flag should come into any type of situation where you’re trying to make a point.
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With the U.S.in Columbus, Ohio, ahead of the tournament this week, with National Hockey League players representing their country, the Kaepernick question has been a common one. “Whether you should do that during the anthem, which stands for our country and salutes those who have given their lives for our country, allowing athletes to play, is a matter of debate”.
“But I look at that and I look at our flag, our national anthem, which is the symbol of us”.
Tortorella coaches the Columbus Blue Jackets during the National Hockey League season, and his son, Nick, is a member of the Army Rangers.
Tortorella has a son serving in the military overseas, and on Wednesday a military representative made a scheduled inspirational speech to the players as part of their preparation to represent United States of America in the World Cup of Hockey, starting September 17 in Toronto.
Tortorella has talked a lot about the importance of his players representing their country well since camp opened.
It always means the world (to hear military members speak), USA captain Joe Pavelski said. Tortorella has a son who is deployed in Afghanistan for the third time as a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces. Tortorella will also have a Ranger on Team USA’s bench during Friday’s exhibition game against Canada in Columbus. “What Nick is doing by far dwarfs what we do”. He is probably one of the best players in the world, Tortorella said. I want him to take more responsibility now. Its pretty straightforward and common sense to me. “There’s nothing like it”.
Many are questioning his authority regarding the issue. Our people are fighting for our country, our flag and our anthem.
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Other parents of young hockey players had mixed reactions. In that scenario, there’s a chance the Star-Spangled Banner never even plays during the tournament, and if it is, it will be after the tournament has been completed. What does Pavelski find most impressive about Kane, who will be a linemate to, at least, start the set of exhibition games?
