Businessman bedecks store in patriotic display to make statement

John Placek is a business owner who has been around for a very long time operating Country Pools and Spa in Allegheny, Butler and Armstrong counties.

And at one of his locations, he’s making sure everyone knows just how he feels about the national anthem controversy embroiling professional sports.

Placek supports the First Amendment, and he believes NFL players can and should protest, but he also believes they've chosen the wrong venue and the wrong symbol.

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“Respect our flag. Respect what it represents and what it means,” he said. “And, once again, it means perseverance and justice. So stand up, salute it, and everyone will be happy.”

At his Route 422 store in Worthington, Armstrong County, is where the two-tour Vietnam veteran is really making a statement, putting up dozens of American flags and even a replica of the State of Liberty.

Miffed at what he's been seeing on Sunday before football games - players taking a knee while the national anthem is played - he put up even more signs of patriotism.

Placek was an Army combat aviator, who was shot twice and also shot down twice and survived. He doesn't think people really know what the flag stands for.

“Stand tall, salute our flag, and let’s move on,” he said. There’s only one race in the world. One race. That’s the human race. Period.”

On Thursday, three veterans organizations in Butler County contacted Channel 11 - two American Legion posts and a VFW hall – all saying that, for now, they will not be showing any NFL games in their facilities.

Cox Media Group