While some veterans don’t support Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit out on the national anthem at his football games, there’s others that do– veterans around the country are coming out in full force to show their support of San Francisco 49ers quarterback choice, saying it’s his right to sit via Rare.
And now, they’ve created the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick, and it’s taking social media by storm.
Rory Fanning, an Army Ranger in the same unit as NFL player Pat Tillman posted this entry on Facebook saying he no longer puts his hand over his heart after learning about the national anthem lyricist Francis Scott Key.
Total respect to those choosing to sit. I will continue to stand, but I choose not to have my hand over my heart. I’ve never done it, and I don’t intend to start now. I’m learning how much of a line of BS I was fed as a youngster about F. Scott Key and the Anthem. I’ve always preferred “This Land Is Your Land” anyway. #VeteransForKaepernick
Another service member clapped back at Kaepernick’s critics telling them to stop missing the message by “cruficifying the messenger.”
Kaepernick, 28 has maintained that his silent protest has absolutely nothing to do with the military, telling The Mercury News:
I have great respect for men and women that have fought for this country. I have family, I have friends that have gone and fought for this country. They fight for freedom. They fight for the people, they fight for liberty and justice for everyone. And that’s not happening
How do you feel about the #VeteransForKaepernick hashtag?
To see more veterans who support Kap, flip through the pages.