Sailor reportedly under investigation for sitting during national anthem

A sailor who is stationed in Florida is under investigation by the U.S. Navy for sitting during the national anthem.

U.S. Navy Sailor Janaye Ervin taped herself sitting during the national anthem during a recent morning flag-raising.

Evrin showed herself in the video posted on social media sitting during the flag. She was seen in the video getting emotional when she talked for several minutes about why she protested during the anthem.

Troops who don’t stand for the national anthem could face prosecution under the uniform code of military justice, which states that troops can be punished for failing to obey a lawful general order.

The petty officer said she was threatened with jail time by the Navy in response to her actions. She also lost her security clearance, she said.

Ervin posted a message on her Facebook page explaining her actions, which reads in part, "I feel like a hypocrite singing about the 'land of the free' when I know that only applies to some Americans. I will gladly stand again, when all Americans are afforded the same freedom."

The Facebook post has now been taken down.

After serving 30 years in the United States Marine Corps., Col. Len Loving said “patriotism” is centered on showing respect to the American Flag.

“I think that’s what you learn when you are a youngster, at least I did when I was in school,” said Loving. “That’s what I did. I stood every morning and put a hand over my heart and said the pledge of allegiance.”

Many veterans said standing for the Star Spangled Banner shows respect and honor.

“When you are in uniform, they are supposed to execute the appropriate regulations, which are to salute the flag when the national anthem is played,” Loving said.

However, many people disagree. There's a Facebook page called Hold Janaye Ervin Accountable where people call her a traitor and said she brings discredit to the U.S. Navy for her actions.

Some people have started a petition called Keep Black Soldiers Out of Jail for Choosing Not to Stand for National Anthem. It said the sailor should not be punished by jail time or a dishonorable discharge for what she believes in.

The Navy’s protocol handbook said sailors in uniform must salute during the anthem. They must face the flag, if they don’t see the flag they have to face the direction of the music.

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