David Young Jr. of Raymond has been selected to sing The National Anthem at the opening of the 2019 Maine State Legislature in Augusta at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2. He was chosen by the Maine Council of Churches after he was heard singing by the council’s president during a service at the Faith Lutheran […]
national anthem
Posted inNational Sports
NFL, NFLPA call timeout on national anthem policy
The NFL halted implementation of its new national anthem policy under an agreement with the NFL Players Association. The sides announced the deal Thursday night. The agreement also keeps the grievance filed by the NFLPA over the anthem policy, ratified by the NFL owners at their May meeting in Atlanta, from moving forward, at least […]
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Posted inNational Sports
NFL teams will be fined if any players kneel during national anthem
ATLANTA (AP) — NFL owners approved a new policy Thursday aimed at addressing the firestorm over national anthem protests, permitting players to stay in the locker room during the “The Star-Spangled Banner” but requiring them to stand if they come to the field. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the change was approved unanimously by the owners […]
Posted inConnections, The Franklin Journal
Avon woman sings National Anthem
Rep. Tom Skolfield of Weld and Rep. Russell Black of Wilton welcomed Maddy Contreras of Avon to the Maine State House where she sang the National Anthem to open session in the Maine House of Representatives on Jan. 23. In back are Black, Hannah Cox, Darwin Contreras, Jessica Savage, Leon Savage, Pastor Brian Rebert and […]
Posted inBoston Bruins, Local Sports, National Sports
Bruins anthem singer and Lewiston native Rene Rancourt to retire
BOSTON — Lewiston native Rene Rancourt, the tuxedoed troubadour who has sung the national anthem before Boston Bruins games for more than 40 years, announced on Wednesday that he will retire at the end of the season. The 78-year-old trained opera singer began singing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at Red Sox games and took over the […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
They have a right to protest
Whether one agrees or disagrees with athletes and others “taking a knee” to silently protest injustice, people must admit that they have a constitutional right to do so. I believe greater disrespect is shown for the nation’s flag, anthem, Constitution and military when one attacks Gold Star parents, demeans a former POW who has dedicated […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Disrespecting the flag
I am sick and tired of what is going on in this country today because of political correctness. This country is being destroyed from within. There is a lack of common sense in this country today. Millionaire athletes disrespect the flag that men died for to keep it flying over the land. For me, and […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Racism is having a field day
I write regarding the protests by athletes. I think most people know the phrase “driving while black,” as it has been around for decades. I witnessed a “walking while black” incident at the Portland Jetport. A young, black man walked toward me with his luggage, and a young white security man went right after him […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Better leadership needed
I offer another perspective on the issue of kneeling during the singing of the national anthem. Kneeling is not an act of disrespect. It is an act of supplication. It is a gesture of humble entreaty. But the focus here should not be on this non-conforming act. Instead, it needs to be on President Donald […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Make this country a better place
What does it mean to respect the flag? Country? Veterans? What does it mean to be a patriot? I am a veteran who has served in the U.S. Army. The measure of my service is far less than some and infinitely more than others. When the National Anthem plays, I stand at attention, facing the […]