The 17th anniversary of 9/11 last week serves as a solemn opportunity to reflect on the country in which we live and the sacrifices required to preserve it. The firefighters, first-responders, police officers and airline passengers who sacrificed their lives on that day epitomize what it means to be an American: “to believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.”

But Nike didn’t make any of those worthy heroes – or any of the many athletes who decided to serve in the armed forces in the aftermath of 9/11 – the face of their company. Instead, they opted for Colin Kaepernick, whose claim to fame comes from his refusal to stand for the national anthem. In a statement, he clarified that he was not going to “show pride in a flag for a country” that he considers to be unjust.

While America is certainly far from perfect, the United States has overwhelmingly moved the world toward prosperity, freedom and justice. During our short national history, we succeeded in a revolution against the then-most powerful empire on Earth, engaged in a civil war that stopped the spread of slavery, won a world war to rescue Europe from a form of political slavery and finally triumphed in a Cold War to topple a communist menace.

Additionally, American medical breakthroughs have transformed lives worldwide. Our massive market economy has brought global prosperity to the world, as well as unparalleled opportunity to our own citizens, explaining why millions seek to immigrate here every year, while every celebrity who vowed to leave if Trump were elected is yet to do so.

Unfortunately, Nike is not the only one riding the trendy wave of American self-loathing, rather than promoting national pride and gratitude.

One of the most iconic moments in American history is Neil Armstrong planting the American flag on the moon. Speaking of the American expedition to the moon, President John F. Kennedy envisioned our “banner of freedom and peace” flying in outer space.  

Yet, Hollywood favors Kaepernick’s pessimism over JFK’s patriotism. In fact, a soon-to-be-released movie about the moon landing, “First Man,” will deliberately omit the American flag being planted on the moon. This is done to frame the landing as a “world” achievement and not just an American one.

Even some of our elected leaders these days don’t seem to be all that proud of the country they live in. Just a couple weeks ago, Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York, perfectly articulated his ungrateful view of our country when he said “[the United States] was never that great. … We have not reached greatness.”

Nike should look up the definition of sacrifice, the directors of “First Man” should show the iconic planting of the American flag and Gov. Cuomo should admit that our country is great, but most importantly, we should all be very grateful and proud to be Americans.

Charles McKay is a senior majoring in finance. His column runs biweekly.