Jeanene Paulino owns the Rainbow Oaks restaurant in Fallbrook, California — she is a proud American and patriot. For years, her establishment has paused daily to listen to a presentation of America’s national anthem. Many stand in respect as the 200+-year-old song, which brings to mind the millions who have fought and died for the cause of freedom, is played on several screens.
However, lines were crossed and emotions were triggered when video of the patriotic tradition aired on local KUSI News.
Video showed patrons standing, many with hands over their hearts, as the 90-second anthem played.
The California eatery’s patriotic pause has sparked an uproar on social media — with progressives seeking safe places and one writing on TikTok, “That was the most dangerous situation I’ve ever been in.”
The sentiment has been echoed by many. Some on the left have depicted the gathering of about 40 in the restaurant as threatening the safety of the approximately 40 million in the deep blue state.
One alarmed citizen wrote that had they been at the eatery when the anthem played on the monitors above the bar, “it would have been my worst nightmare.”
Another imagined the moment was “terrifying.” Another speculated the situation would have been like being in “a horror movie.”
Jeanene Paulino has largely shrugged off the complaints: “I feel like, if we take a few minutes out of our day to be grateful for the men and women who have made the sacrifices so that we can stand up and say how we feel…” Paulino told “Fox & Friends” hosts Todd Piro and Ashley Strohmier.
Paulino added that she wished all would “realize that it’s because those men and women who made those sacrifices that [we are here today].
The restaurant owner assessed that complaints were primarily coming from “progressives” who were “privileged” and “ungrateful for those who previously served and sacrificed.”
Speaking of the person who ignited the firestorm by posting a complaint on TikTok, Paulino said: “I think maybe they’re not focusing on gratitude. This particular TikToker had seen a local news post, so she probably did it for attention.”
Fox News noted that Paulino indicated the TikToker who posted the video “should be grateful the U.S. is so secure that such a benign incident made them feel threatened.”
Paulino shared that the Rainbow Oaks eatery has enjoyed a tradition of presenting the national anthem daily for the six years she has owned the store. She also noted that the establishment is carrying on the tradition established by previous owners.
“I come from a long line of patriots, so I was thrilled to keep the tradition going. No, we won’t be stopping,” Paulino vowed.
Notably, the United States Senate adopted Resolution 236 on June 14, 2007. It states:
Whereas the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”, holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the American people as a symbol of national unity, resolve, and willingness to sacrifice in order to preserve the Nation’s sacred heritage of freedom…
Whereas, the national anthem is the symbol of American ideals and freedom around the world: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Senate…encourages the people of the United States to learn the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and its proud history.
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