UNC-Chapel Hill fraternity members honored at RNC for 'protecting our American flag' amid anti-Israel campus protest

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: Seven members of UNC-Chapel Hill fraternities, referred to as the “patriotic fraternity brothers,” were honored at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night for their efforts in “protecting our American flag.”

The seven individuals marched down the front two aisles of Fiserv Forum, proudly carrying American flags in front of the 50,000 convention attendees, according to the Raleigh News & Observer.

As they walked past their home state delegates and those from Ohio, Louisiana, Nebraska, and Missouri, delegates reached out to pat them on the back.

Meanwhile, Brian Kelley performed ‘American Spirit’ on stage with a choir from Milwaukee’s Holy Redeemer Institutional Church of God in Christ.

One of the fraternity members, Alex Johnson, pulled a microphone from his back pocket and recounted how, when confronted by a "mob" of pro-Palestinian protesters trying to remove the American flag from the Chapel Hill campus, the fraternity brothers intervened to protect it out of respect.

"Too many people have sacrificed everything for it,” Johnson said. “The least we could do was keep it flying. And tonight we are proud to honor our flag again."

What transpired during the University of North Carolina protests?

The Trump campaign selected approximately two dozen individuals or groups, dubbing them "everyday Americans," to speak at the four-day convention.

These speakers were described as individuals "who have faced immense hardship and are worse off under the Biden-Harris administration."

Among them were fraternity members who gained attention this spring for preventing the American flag from touching the ground during a confrontation with pro-Palestinian protesters at UNC's Polk Place on April 30.

This incident took place during a ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment,’ which resulted in 36 individuals being charged. When the pro-Palestinian protesters attempted to remove the flag, a group of counter-protesters, primarily the fraternity brothers, intervened to prevent it from falling and later handed it over to the police.

Following this event, a GoFundMe fundraiser was established in their honor, aiming to raise money for a celebration. The original fundraiser post referred to the fraternity members as "Brohemians" and described them as being "armored in Vineyard Vines and Patagonia" and "fueled by Zyn and White Claws."

The fundraiser's initial goal was $15,000, but it eventually raised over $500,000. The funds are being used to organize ‘Flagstock 2024,’ an exclusive event scheduled for September 2, featuring a performance by John Rich of the country duo Big & Rich.

Additional funds from the fundraiser will be contributed to charitable organizations. The possible beneficiaries include Back the Blue NC, Wounded Warrior Project, Children of Fallen Patriots, and Zeta Beta Tau Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism.

Internet lauds UNC fraternity members for their RNC speech

People online hailed the UNC fraternity brothers who kept the American flag "flying" when faced with "a mob" of pro-Palestinian protesters on campus grounds, this year.

One person commented, "So proud of the fraternity brothers." Another person said, "Give them all free tuition!"

Another person wrote, "You go young ones. Proud of you all." One person remarked, "Proud of the UNC frat boys!!"

Another person claimed, "It is admirable that these fraternity brothers stood up for the American flag in the face of opposition. It shows their respect and appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who have defended our country. It is important to remember the significance and symbolism of the flag, and to honor it in times of controversy."

Finally, this person said, "These young men are an inspiration."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.