American gymnast Gabby Douglas is in the news again. Part of the 5-woman team, Douglas has been under attack for everything from not measuring up over the past year, to her hairstyle and other criticisms. And now, after the team’s win and the National Anthem playing while the American flag is hoisted high… the whole world watched as Gabby Douglas refrained from placing her hand over her Heart in the usual display of patriotic pride.

Social media went wild. How could she behave so callously, so offensively?

Just 20 years old, Gabby immediately took to social media herself, apologizing and saying that she meant no offense. As a young person, she was overcome with emotion. In essence, her heart was bursting with pride. She respectfully stood at attention during the Star-Spangled Banner as did the other athletes.

I believe in hand-over-heart. I also believe in hearts full of emotion and love for country. It’s beautiful to see it all in our American women’s gymnastics team.  If anyone’s a patriot, it’s them.

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