Watching football players in the NFL, some of the most wealthy and recognized people in America, disrespectfully take a knee during our National Anthem is a sad sight to see. To a country that has allowed them to achieve so much, they turn around and childishly make a display of contempt because it’s not perfect.

What’s worse is that it’s glorified by people in the media, and even has nods in its direction by our own President.

But not everyone with a platform is nodding complacently, or just taking this disrespect laying down. The legendary rock band, KISS, stopped one of their concerts to give thousands of dollars to veterans, talk to the crowd about patriotism, say the pledge of allegiance, then play a rendition of the National Anthem with all the pyrotechnics, elevated platforms, and visual effects it deserves.

But another legendary figure has risen to protest the protests, America’s favorite super model, Kate Upton, who took to both Twitter and Instagram to voice her disgust with some of the NFL player’s disrespectful displays. Even when the mob came to silence her, she didn’t shrink back. In fact, she made sure she was fully understood by doubling down.

In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom. Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed. Recent history has shown that it is a place where anyone no matter what race or gender has the potential to become President of the United States. We live in the most special place in the world and should be thankful. After the song is over, I would encourage everyone to please use the podium they have, stand up for their beliefs, and make America a better place. The rebuilding of battery park and the freedom tower demonstrates that amazing things can be done in this country when we work together towards a common goal. It is a shame how quickly we have forgotten this as a society. Today we are more divided then ever before. I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 911 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place #neverforget.

A photo posted by Kate Upton (@kateupton) on Sep 11, 2016 at 4:12pm PDT

Sorry I wasn’t clear. Never during our national anthem. Especially on 9/11 #NeverForget https://t.co/UEDIsqbXEr

— Kate Upton (@KateUpton) September 12, 2016

In this day and age, voicing opinions that are friendly toward America and her military, or displaying public patriotism can have a very negative effect on your public persona. Celebrities are often quiet, or nod in agreement when displays like this are carried out, because they feel it’s good for their career to seem concerned about the plight of others, even if they really aren’t.

I applaud Upton, who had the bravery to call this childishness what it is, and stand her ground when they came for her. I wish more celebrities had her audacity.