This is an old argument from a different direction. During the occupation of Iraq, its advocates argued that opponents could not “support the troops” without supporting the war effort as well.
People enlist for diverse and individual reasons but, on average, idealism is a major component. That should be acknowledged despite how much and how often their efforts are directed away from their intent. There’s a fundamental difference between paying taxes and risking life and limb when personal risk is minimized for most citizens.
The national anthem, despite it’s lyrics, is an expression of patriotism, not of appreciation towards current and/or former service members. It follows that a protest of the faults of the nation by not participating in the recital of the anthem do not disrespect service members either.
