Watch: A Beautiful Salute To American Values

If you need a reminder this July 4 about what America means to many people across this great nation and this great land, look no further.

This particular example of patriotism linked below takes us back to the 2016 Rio Summer Games. Bronze medalist pole vaulter Sam Kendricks was halfway through his attempt, but when he heard The Star-Spangled Banner, he stopped on a dime, put down his pole, turned to the sound of the music, and stood stock still at attention.

Such behavior should not be a surprise, considering Hendricks was a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army Reserve at the time.

It is indeed appropriate that we commend the likes of Lt. Hendricks on the anniversary of the birth of our great nation. And it also appropriate that we hope that there will be more expressions of love during the Tokyo Olympics, as opposed to hate. Sure, fans won't be able to cheer because of COVID, and athletes won't be allowed to show how much they hate their own countries, but perhaps there will be a little room for people to show respect for each other. We can only hope.

We'll see how it all turns out. Only a few weeks to go.

Written by
Sam Amico spent 15 years covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated, FOX Sports and NBA.com, along with a few other spots, and currently runs his own basketball website on the side, FortyEightMinutes.com.