AMVETS National Headquarters, Jan. 22, 2018 – The National Football League, amid controversy surrounding its players kneeling in protest during the National Anthem, has refused to run an ad by American Veterans (AMVETS) in the official Super Bowl program because of its simple, two-word message – “Please Stand.”
In a January 22 letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, AMVETS National Commander Marion Polk wrote, “freedom of speech works both ways. We respect the rights of those who choose to protest, as these rights are precisely what our members have fought — and in many cases died — for. But imposing corporate censorship to deny that same right to those veterans who have secured it for us all is reprehensible and totally beyond the pale.”
The same ad was accepted by both the NHL and NBA and is slated to run in the official programs for each organization’s all-star games.
AMVETS is the nation’s largest and oldest Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization that is open to and fights for all veterans who served honorably, including reservists & guardsmen. AMVETS has been a nonpartisan advocate for veterans and their families for more than 70 years.
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February 4, 2018
*Presidential Message on Super Bowl LII*
As many Americans come together to watch the Super Bowl, Melania and I extend our greetings and appreciation for those who make occasions like this possible, particularly the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.
Though many of our Nations service members are unable to be home with family and friends to enjoy this evenings American tradition, they are always in our thoughts and prayers. We owe these heroes the greatest respect for defending our liberty and our American way of life. Their sacrifice is stitched into each star and every stripe of our Star-Spangled Banner. We hold them in our hearts and thank them for our freedom as we proudly stand for the National Anthem.
We send our best wishes for an enjoyable Super Bowl Sunday. May God bless and protect our troops, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.
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