We are on the brink of a Super Bowl game where two East Coast teams will battle it out in flyover country. Some folks are excited, while others are vowing to watch something else this Sunday as a result of the kneeling during the National Anthem protests.

There have been several times when I have wanted to write a novel on the intersection of freedom of speech and the respect of Old Glory. But lately I have realized there is an enormous positive side to the unfolding story of NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his trendsetting act of kneeling during the National Anthem in protest, to emphasize his point of view on how minorities are treated in this country.

I’ve changed my mind and instead I want to say thank you, Mr. Kaepernick.

Thank you for setting the news cycle on the importance of our flag. Thank you for shining light on what it means to respect our flag. Thank you for showing a generation of children how important it is to stand for our National Anthem and salute our flag.

While I have no evidence how your protest affected your cause, I do know your act of kneeling and those NFL players who followed your example revealed several things in the wake of your first protest. It’s been revealed just where the NFL leadership stands regarding our military.

Your protest has revealed your heart and the heart of many other players kneeling, standing or staying off the field during the anthem. And it has shined a light on where freedom of speech begins and ends.

Your kneeling has made countless people, young and old, examine the importance of freedom of speech and why the founding fathers made that our First Amendment Right. For those youngsters still learning the Constitution, your trend provided the perfect object lesson for teachers throughout our country.

Your protest solidified military families, made NFL players examine what was really important and caused veterans from coast to coast to rise up and remember why they volunteered to fight and win so many wars on our country’s behalf.

I daresay there has never been more emphasis and attention paid to the singing and playing of our National Anthem since Sept. 11.

Today, when I stand and salute the flag, I stand a little straighter, sing a little louder and when I get to the part “O say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave,” I get a catch in my throat that is usually followed by choking back the emotion of pride that wells up in every fiber of my being.

It is pride for my veteran father, my military-serving son and the unwavering allegiance to a free country that is a shining light on a hill, signifying the greatest country in the world.

Thank you, Mr. Kaepernick.

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.