Sometimes, it is the small things that matter.

Since 9-11, attendees at Major League Baseball games have been subjected to the singing of God Bless America during the seventh inning stretch. People are often asked to give proper reverence to the US Military as God Bless America is sung.

Not me. I will not do it. I find the singing of God Bless America quite offensive and, as a pacifist, I find the continued glorification of US militarism inappropriate.

When the National Anthem is sung, I remove my hat, place my hand over my heart, and sing. I am proud to be an American. Again, I do find the overt homage given to the US Military might quite offensive, with the jet flyover, honor guards, and the like, but I realize that most Americans do not share my pacifistic inclinations, so I do not show my disapproval of the militaristic show.

The same goes for LimaLand Motorsports Park, a local dirt track I frequent during racing season. They begin the racing program with a prayer. They ask everyone to stand and remove their hats. I refuse to do so. When they sing the National Anthem after the prayer I stand, remove my hat, place my hand over my heart, and sing. Again, I am proud to be an American but I refuse to give a Christian prayer one moment of respect.

The United States is a secular state and I proudly pay respect to the American flag and the I proudly sing the Star Spangled Banner. However, I will not show respect to overt displays of Christianity in public spaces. I think the song God Bless America and Christian prayers have no place at sporting events. When I go to a sporting event I am there to watch the sport and I have no desire to show fealty to the cultural religion the United States.

Small things? To be sure, but it is in the small things that our character is tested and strengthened.