Military Vets Tweet Support For Kaepernick's Anthem Protest
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Colin Kaepernick's protest of the national anthem is apparently winning support from some military veterans on Twitter.
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback sparked controversy during the NFL's preseason by sitting instead of standing during the "Star-Spangled Banner." Kaepernick says he's protesting what he describes as oppression of minorities in the United States. Some who have criticized the protest said it was insulting to veterans.
But some people who identify themselves as veterans have tweeted pictures of themselves in uniform and messages of support under the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick. One says he served to protect freedoms, not a song. Another says protesting is every American's right.
Kaepernick says he will continue his protest ahead of Thursday's preseason game in San Diego.
#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
I serve to protect your freedoms, not a song #VeteransForKaepernick
— Jeffrey Crossman (@JCrossman1) August 31, 2016
People who haven't served trying to tell us how we feel ???? #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/LQo8EgfkgQ
— Tony Riggatoni (@Flawlessvik11) August 31, 2016
#VeteransforKaepernick Because I served my country to protect the rights of ALL women & men, not just a select few???????? pic.twitter.com/pvK6uxbqx4
— Christina Prejean (@SheIsGreater) August 31, 2016
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.