This story is free to read.

Cook: Brainerd High is America

By David Cook September 18, 2016 4 min read

Photo Gallery

Brainerd High is America

Brainerd Seniors bent to high five some of the younger Orchard Knob Elementary students. The 2016 graduating class of Brainerd High School walked through the halls of Orchard Knob Elementary in their caps and gowns, as a representation of the "vision" for where the elementary students will one day be.

Brainerd Seniors look down from the second floor of Orchard Knob Elementary as they wait to have a group photo made. The 2016 graduating class of Brainerd High School walked through the halls of Orchard Knob Elementary in their caps and gowns, as a representation of the "vision" for where the elementary students will one day be.

Brainerd seniors check their phones and take selfies as they prepare to process into Orchard Knob Elementary. The 2016 graduating class of Brainerd High School walked through the halls of Orchard Knob Elementary in their caps and gowns, as a representation of the "vision" for where the elementary students will one day be.

Brainerd Seniors process pass the cheering students on the decorated second floor of Orchard Knob Elementary. The 2016 graduating class of Brainerd High School walked through the halls of Orchard Knob Elementary in their caps and gowns, as a representation of the "vision" for where the elementary students will one day be.

David Cook

View other columns by David Cook

Also Read

UPDATE: Brainerd players, administrators knew nothing of coach’s protest plan, superintendent saysWiedmer: Is Brainerd protest about to become rule rather than exception?Greeson: Hamilton County commissioner wants Brainerd coach removed if protest transpiresWiedmer: It’s always best to ask your boss firstSohn: Brainerd gets civics lesson from modern-day Archie BunkerCooper: Finding solidarity at Brainerd

Just spoke with Brainerd principal Uras Agee, there will not be a silent protest tonight by the football team #bestofpreps
— Stephen Hargis (@StephenHargis) September 16, 2016

Don’t you see?

Colin Kaepernick is America, too.

Protest has always been part of who we are. Dumping tea. Greeting tax collectors with tar and feathers. Declarations of rebellion. There is no America without American protest.