In a world where having a solid backbone is becoming increasingly rare, it’s refreshing to hear from those who still understand the importance of respecting the office of the President. Over the years, many have put on that bulletproof vest, serving the public and protecting families. It seems that valuable lessons can be learned from those who dedicate a lifetime to public safety and duty. One of those lessons is the vital importance of respecting the office, regardless of who’s sitting in the Oval. The shape of the chair doesn’t change with the person occupying it, and neither should our respect for it.

There’s been a trend of people picking corners or sides, boxing themselves in rather than reaching across the aisle. But respect for the presidency should transcend political affiliations. It’s supposed to be about uniting under a banner, which, shockingly, doesn’t disintegrate when it’s not waving the way one might prefer. This is the office for which many have laid down their lives, after all—fighting under a flag that they believed was worth every ounce of their sacrifice.

In this discourse, it’s pointed out how crucial it is that we champion respect for the very fabric our country is stitched from. Not finding common ground in policies is one thing, but actively undermining or disrespecting the office itself is a line that should not be crossed. It’s interesting to note how those who have worn a badge or a military uniform often understand this principle better than those radical voices shouting on college campuses.

Regretfully, some corners of academia seem more focused on radicalizing the impressionable minds of students rather than preparing them to preserve what’s precious about our nation. It’s like they’re engaged in a strange contest to see who can shake their fist hardest at the establishment, rather than collaborating to build a future anchored in the greatness that makes America, well, America. Ignoring the lessons our forebears have painfully imparted seems not just careless but hazardous to the institution itself.

At the end of the day, this country is about the people, a proud flag flying over a land built on values that deserve our trust and protection. Affiliation shouldn’t blind us to the fact that whether one’s colors are red or blue, the stars and stripes are colors we can all agree on. More than anything, it’s about working together to uplift communities and make sure the next generation grows up understanding that being an American is about standing together, not tearing each other apart.