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 National Commander Marion Polk and AMVETS Executive Director Joe Chenelly are both available to speak with media about their outrage and disappointment at the NFL’s decision to stifle the speech of veterans. Media interested in speaking with them are encouraged to contact AMVETS at the phone number or e-mail address listed above.
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.