I stood ringside, as the flag was raised, to sing our National Anthem before the cow show began. This isn’t practiced at every cow show, but most national shows will pay honor and respect to our country, and I think it’s a good thing.

As I sang along with the soloist up on the platform, I kept my eye on the flag – until I saw an arm waving on the other side of it. My attention was taken from respecting our country to watching the absolute disrespect of two people who were talking and pointing during the singing of our National Anthem.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. They weren’t really talking, were they? No, they couldn’t be – they were adults, I must’ve been seeing things. No, wait; now they were pointing again … and talking. What on earth?

As “the home of the brave” ended the song, I found myself in hot pursuit of the two people who decided it was best to discuss the flow of the cattle in the arena than to respect our flag, our men and women in the service, our country – not to mention the soloist standing a mere 10 feet away.

As my pace quickened and the adrenaline began pumping through my body, I could feel my face getting red hot with disgust at the thought of two 40-year-olds talking during the National Anthem while standing five feet from the flag.

By the time I approached them I was shaking with anger and as I spoke, my voice quivered. No, I hadn’t been this upset in a very, very long time. My short but intense, controlled monologue went something like this:

“Excuse me, but my son is serving in the United States Air Force and my father fought in the Korean War. I can’t tell you how disrespectful you were to them, to me and to all of the men and women who have served in our military. I would appreciate it if the next time you didn’t talk during the entire National Anthem.”

Each one looked at me and said, “I’m so sorry.” I thanked them and walked back to my table. It took me a few minutes to let the adrenalin settle in my body. I had never done that in my life. Oh sure, like everyone else, I’ve shushed the occasional teenager or youngster who thought it would be funny to whisper to his buddy when he knew he was supposed to be quiet and still. But I’ve never encountered such blatant disrespect of an adult.

Now more than ever, I believe it’s important to stand up for what is right and true. It doesn’t get any more “right or true” than respect for our country and for the men and women who have fought to protect the freedom we enjoy. 

It’s 90 seconds out of your life, so stand still and be quiet.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.