Thank you, Mitch Clarke, for your column on Sunday. You spoke about a situation that has bothered me for quite some time.

In a time when the heroes of our young people are sports figures, it angers me to watch the players standing on the sidelines talking, looking around, chomping on their gum, but not showing the respect our national anthem deserves.

Wouldn't it be a great thing if their coaches declared that any player caught not showing their respect would not be allowed to play in that game? That might not make them respect our anthem, but it sure would make them want to act like it in order to get in their playing time.

As for the fans, there's not much to do about them. But what if seeing the players with their hands over their hearts would make them want to act with the same reverence?

Too many young men and women have fought and died for our country for people to be so cavalier about our beloved national anthem.

My hat's off to you, Mitch, for bringing this to everyone's attention. Sure hope it makes folks think the next time they hear the anthem.

Melinda H. Gravitt
Gainesville