Dennis Berg

Rolla

For those who knelt during the Anthem (and for using their uniforms as human rights billboards):

In the sixties my brother, sister and myself all received higher learning from NDSU.

I remember well in 65 watching the Grambling game at Ceres hall on a black and white set. Some of the moments of that game, I remember as if it happen yesterday. It was a big deal to win that game.

But for me, the book learning was finish in 68. I found myself volunteering for the draft, artillery and South East Asia. By 69 I was in Nam, spending a solid ten months in the bush doing what the Army trained me to do. I was part of the conflict involve in the mortality on both sides.

By 1970 I was home. Three friends, my 68 Delta 88, California bound. My time in SE Asia was but a blur. I had adjusted.

At age 74, I now find myself thinking about the past and my time over there. One day comes to mind is a soldier lying next to me from the night’s activities. I knew by first light a medic would come with a plastic bag and begin this soldier’s journey home. My thought at the time was those at home will soon learn that their son, brother and friend is dead. The breaking of the news one prays to never hear, the sorrow and grief that will come, the speeches that will be made and finally the last farewell with the casket drape with our flag, the volley of three from the rifles, taps and presentation of the flag to the next-of-kin. It is indeed a moment to reflect on.

And I remember at the time asking myself, his death for what? Why? He was just one of the unlucky ones at the time for me and for some reason I cannot today, remember his name. I knew him but a brief moment.

I now again ask for what and why and find myself questioning what I was a part of. I am not sure of the reason why I was there. But like those before me and the countless numbers after me, I answer the call to serve and not to question. I was a soldier and I now answer this question by looking to our flag. For what it stands for, for what it has been through, for those who gave their all for that flag and for that moment of honoring the flag with the Anthem.

I may question why I was there but I know I was not there for those who take that moment of honor to disgrace it by pursuing their cause and agenda. For those that take part in it, for that that approve of it, for those who allow it to take place, for those who support it, for those who look the other way I did not serve for your sake and pleasure. I served and fought for this country like others and I am proud of that service. Yes, I was a soldier.

I will assume when the dome opens up next spring I will also be able to demonstrate my views, however unlike others, I promise not to do this during the Anthem but to take my hat off (as I was taught), stand at attention and reflect on what that moment means for so many, for me and for those who are no longer with us.

For me it is hard to understand and accept what happen by a few at the game on Saturday (NDSU). I will listen for what you have to say but not when the Anthem is being played.

I do appreciate and thank all the young who understand and support what the flag means and honor it in the proper way. It does my heart proud. For some it appears that they do not understand, it is time for them to move on.