Parents and teachers should teach children from a young age to be compassionate and respectful to everyone around them. It is especially important to help children appreciate the sacrifices made by those who fought for the freedom we enjoy today. One way to show respect is by standing during the National Anthem, but unfortunately, many young people no longer do this.

Virginia Tech basketball coach Buzz Williams noticed that many of his players and even people in the crowd did not pay proper attention during the National Anthem. Instead of standing respectfully, some players looked around or swayed along to the music, appearing bored. This frustrated Coach Williams, and he decided to teach his team a lesson.

Although he knew he couldn’t change the entire community, he wanted to start with his players and hoped others would follow his example. On Veteran’s Day, he spoke to the team about respect and the importance of honoring those who served. He had them line up in the middle of the court, facing the veterans in the crowd.

“These guys, when they were your age, interrupted their lives, paused their education, changed careers, and gave their lives for those chairs,” he told them. “So when the anthem is played, we’re going to stand like grown men and honor those who sacrificed for us.”

Seeing the young players and veterans standing side-by-side, reciting the anthem together, was a powerful and emotional moment. Thanks to Coach Williams, his players learned to appreciate the sacrifices made for their freedom.

Coach Williams is an excellent example of what every educator should be—teaching not only skills but also values. We need more teachers like him to inspire young people to be better both on and off the court.