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Don’t do that here
Police officers and veterans stand up against kneeling during the anthem
n BY NICK SWEDBERG
n PHOTOS BY JAMES PINTO
If Kaepernick was planning to sit down during the na- tional anthem, Chicago Police Officers, veterans and oth- er first responders figured they needed to take a stand.
So at the Gold Star Memorial, just east of Soldier Field where San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaeper- nick might continue his noted protest by dropping to one knee during the national anthem before his team played the Bears on Dec. 4, a group that included Lodge 7 Presi- dent Dean C. Angelo, Sr., held a rally to make a statement against Kaepernick’s potential protest.
Retired Chicago Alderman James Balcer, a Vietnam vet- eran who led the rally that also included Gold Star fam- ilies, said he respects Kaepernick’s right to express his thoughts.
“However, I have a right to voice my opinion and say ‘you’re wrong,’ “ said Balcer. “To condemn all the police officers is wrong.”
The 30-minute rally, which drew about 50 veterans and police and fire union leaders, took on added significance being held near Soldier Field. The name of the stadium was changed in 1925 to honor veterans as a memorial for U.S. soldiers who died in combat.
The rally drew attention from Chicago media outlets, which have consistently focused coverage on criticism of Chicago police officers, according to Balcer. He was en- couraged by the media attention for the rally and Kaeper- nick’s ongoing protest.
“I felt it was absolutely appropriate. You’re asking a man to respect the memory of those who died,” Balcer said. “This is hallowed ground. Don’t take a knee here.”
Balcer is a Bronze Star medal winner who felt it was im- portant as an elected official to support veterans, police, fire and paramedics. He has been an outspoken critic of
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Kaepernick well before the 49ers traveled to Chicago. Bal- cer said it seemed like “divine intervention” that Kaeper- nick had one of his worst outings ever as a QB and was benched in the 26-6 loss to the Bears.
Balcer, a former 11th Ward alderman, said he has worked with and supported Gold Star families for years.
“I’ve seen the sorrow and anguish in their faces through- out the years,” said Balcer’, who also has seen the same heartbreak in the families of fallen police officers. “I see the anguish and hurt with them as well.” d