Sonya Bryson-Kirksey sang both the Canadian and American National Anthems Monday night before game one of the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals in Tampa.
The retired U.S. Air Force technical sergeant belted out a beautiful version to kick off hockey’s biggest night…as the packed arena sang with her.
It is obvious that Bryson-Kirksey is proud of her country, unlike Olympic hammer thrower Gwen Berry, who turned her back to the American flag as the anthem played as she stood on the medals podium accepting the bronze and a trip to Tokyo representing the United States…the very country she hates.
Press secretary Jen Psaki said the president respects those who peacefully protest the anthem, as it’s a right granted in the Constitution and he recognizes “that there are moments where we are—as a country, haven’t lived up to our highest ideals" https://t.co/Sn0quY6Qfq
— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) June 29, 2021
Would Berry turn her back on Bryson-Kirksey as she sang the National Anthem and will she disrespect the American flag again if she wins gold in Tokyo. It will be her second Olympics.
Berry has been outspoken about racial injustice in the United States and says the anthem doesn’t speak for her.
Sen. Tom Cotton wants Gwen Berry off US Olympic team over anthem protest https://t.co/zZD71hGRA2 pic.twitter.com/K73KyntWh4
— New York Post (@nypost) June 29, 2021
The Tampa Bay Lightning took the lead in the Stanley Cup Final after scoring three third period goals on their way to a 5-1 victory in Game One over the Montreal Canadiens.