Military vets are standing up to support Colin Kaepernick's position against the national anthem ·

04 Jan 2025, 00:00

Colin Kaepernick's decision to sit during the national anthem has opened up a national conversation thanks to the San Francisco 49ers quarterback.

And while the majority of the NFL has responded relatively negatively toward Kaepernick, military support for the quarterback picked up Tuesday night with the hashtag #VeteransforKaepernick.

Crazy the media is trying to tell how VETERANS feel about the Kap situation. I support him. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/IP2orede7k

— Eli'jah Jordan (@elijahXL) August 31, 2016

Don't use my service--or that of any veteran--to justify the silencing of black Americans. Not on my watch. #VeteransForKaepernick

— Charles Clymer (@cmclymer) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick because I didn't volunteer to defend a country where police brutality is swept under the rug. pic.twitter.com/LtBkTvHHAn

— Baltic Avenue (@Baltic_Avenue) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick Because we're actually not all self-centered racists. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/VHnW5Pbxav

— Ed Beck (@DEdwardBeck) August 31, 2016

I serve for his right to protest.. I don't serve for Police Brutality.. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Q6GUNTwHDO

— Airbnb Papi (@JoeOnDemand) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick Although my grandfather served two tours in Vietnam, he couldn't even rent a home near his base b/c he was black.

— Blorenzo (@blorenzo) August 30, 2016

I serve to protect your freedoms, not a song #VeteransForKaepernick

— Jeffrey Crossman (@JCrossman1) August 31, 2016

if you haven't served, don't speak on my behalf #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/30AtfIvaRI

— SH🍔N (@brownlashon) August 31, 2016

Army or not, I will ALWAYS be black. I stand with him . #veteransforKaepernick pic.twitter.com/lJvNPMeLSO

— Flagranté Delicto (@__supremedee) August 30, 2016

Kaepernick's response after his decision to sit drew criticism was swift:

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," he said. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

The NFL replied to the controversy with a statement, saying ""Players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem."

Other high-profile athletes like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony have spoken out against what they perceive as racial and social injustice. Following the police shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile in July, which were captured on video resulting in nationwide protests and demonstrations, Anthony reached out to fellow athletes on social media, urging them to "step up and take charge" of the political environment. As has NBA star Dwayne Wade, whose cousin was fatally shot by a stray bullet Friday as she pushed a baby stroller near a school on Chicago's South Side.

Military vets are standing up to support Colin Kaepernick's position against the national anthem

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