After canceling a Super Bowl celebration for the Philadelphia Eagles at the White House, President Trump went ahead and hosted an event designed to “celebrate America.”
Speaking on the South Lawn, Trump said that it’s time to “explain why young Americans stand for our national anthem.”
During the ceremony which included the U.S. Marine Band and the U.S. Army chorus., Trump sang along to “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” — although is seemed like he couldn’t remember most of the words.
There was no mention of the Eagles during the event, but Trump accused the players who chose to protest the Anthem of abandoning their fans.
Trump said that the nation needs to remember the “fallen heroes” and that the country stands together “for freedom, we stand together for patriotism.”
As the National Anthem rung out across those gathered in the audience, one unidentified man chose to take a knee, apparently in solidarity with the NFL players.
A man takes a knee during Trump’s celebration. pic.twitter.com/zghJSk2YOu
— Carina Bergfeldt (@carinabergfeldt) June 5, 2018
Numerous people in the crowd witnessed the rogue kneeler.
At The White House. One guy in the audience took a knee during the national anthem at President Trumps celebration of America no Eagles event. Left right after – didn’t wanna talk pic.twitter.com/NLRGp26gln
— Jesper Zølck (@jesperzolck) June 5, 2018
After the Anthem was played, Trump gave a few brief remarks about the importance of standing for the Anthem. According to the President, the event was “even bigger than we had anticipated.”
Featured image via Twitter
