A Senate committee unanimously approves a bill requiring the National Anthem be played before all sporting events at publicly funded facilities in Louisiana.
Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt wrote the bill. She said it’s in honor of veterans.
“I think it is a gesture for the millions of veterans in our community that fought so bravely to defend our country,” said Hewitt, who noted there are no penalties included in the bill for facilities that do not comply, nor specific requirements for how the anthem be played.
Hewitt said another reason she brought the bill is to try to teach the youth about patriotism.
“Although we may have different ideas on how to make it better this is still the greatest country and this is an opportunity for us to unite and pay tribute to that,” said Hewitt.
State Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland attended the committee in support. He said as a veteran, and father to three veterans this bill means a lot to him.
“It means a lot to me when the national anthem is played and our flag is proudly waving in the breeze it is always an emotional moment not only for me but for all Louisianans,” said Strickland.
There was no vocal opposition to the bill, only a red card signed in objection by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The legislation heads to the Senate floor.
Comments