When Colin Kaepernick defended his decision to remain seated during the national anthem in order to protest widespread racial injustice, people quickly villainized the 49ers QB, labeling him ungrateful and unpatriotic. However, many military members are interpreting his First Amendment expression differently.

Kaepernick has received an outpouring of support on social media from veterans using the trending hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick to combat critics speaking on their behalf. Not only are these men and women in uniform speaking out in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement and Kaepernick’s right to protest, but they’re also helping to show everyday Americans that being anti-racism doesn’t mean you’re anti-America.

Read some of the veterans’ tweets below:

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

I served this country honorably for his right to protest the way he saw fit. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/b2LiyAXa2q

— Miss B. (@brittneeraebaby) August 31, 2016

8 Years Active Duty. Twice in the sandbox. He can sit or stand as long as the waves. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/95yx9lUPZN

— McAnthony Brisco (@Bcounty510) August 31, 2016

A picture that sums up a thousand tweets in #VeteransForKaepernick thread pic.twitter.com/ljL6yNVikH

— Michele Norris (@michele_norris) August 31, 2016

Because I’m a black woman in and out of uniform #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/sBIhPQvmiB

— Liberation Brown (@LiberationBrown) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick I am a disabled veteran & haven’t stood for the Anthem since I separated. We are not free! pic.twitter.com/4RO4qGdKul

— Kristen Meghan (@KristenMeghan) 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

@Kaepernick7 I served 25yrs in the AF to protect everyone’s 1st Amend rights. I support you #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Q7r7PfvryA

— Nicole (@dcmbrdiva) August 31, 2016

I don’t agree with all of his points, but I’ll fight to the death for his right to say it. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/0jeFlIv5RX

— Isaac wright (@I_Zac33) August 31, 2016

I was a Black man before my service and will still be a Black man when I’m done #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Sjm8Laq9fB

— Dominique Thorpe (@GenuinelySpoken) 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

You can love your country and ask your country to do better at the same time. #VeteransForKaepernick

— Black Jesus Barbie ™ (@RihTweetMe) August 30, 2016

Alexis Evans

Alexis Evans is an Assistant Editor at Law Street and a Buckeye State native. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a minor in Business from Ohio University. Contact Alexis at aevans@LawStreetMedia.com.

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