Military vet calls for calm amid backlash against cheerleaders' national anthem protest

CORAOPOLIS, Pa. — Amid the mounting backlash against several cheerleaders’ decision to kneel during the national anthem at a Cornell High School football game, a military veteran is calling for calm.

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For the first time in Cornell High School’s history, homecoming was canceled and the boys’ varsity home football game was moved to Friday afternoon. Police officer were stationed around the stadium during the game, which only players’ parents were allowed to attend.

The heightened security measures started Monday when a doctored video showing the cheerleaders kneeling in front of a VFW honor guard during the national anthem went viral. School officials said the district has received hundreds of threats from across the country.

While military veteran Luke Asaro believes the school brought the fallout on themselves, he said he doesn’t condone the threats being made.

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Channel 11 News spoke with Asaro Friday about whether he accepts the apology that leaders of VFW 402 received from school officials.

“Sure I accept their apology,” he said.

In a statement to parents, students and the community, Cornell School District Superintendent Aaron Thomas promised to expand the high school’s relationship with veterans.

"These brave men have many experiences, lessons and messages they are willing to share with our future generations, and we will be promoting that,” Thomas’ statement read, in part.

When asked what he would like to see happen going forward, Asaro said, “I would never like to see that happen again, kneeling during our national anthem.”

VFW leaders said if they’re invited back to present the flag at a high school football game, they will accept.

Meanwhile, the cheerleaders who took a knee told Channel 11 News last week that they plan to kneel during the national anthem at future games.

Cox Media Group