My usual ritual before going to sleep is to read a little, usually on my phone. I have been hesitant to read what has been on social media over the last few days, because the last thing I need at night is to get worked up, angered, and be up for another hour. I was just about to turn in for the night when I saw that the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick was trending. I decided to take a look. I was so completely moved, I pulled the laptop out to write this article.
One of the biggest unknowns when San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick chose to sit during the National Anthem was how the military would interpret it. There have been plenty of negative reactions from the military, and Colin Kaepernick addressed that in his comments on Sunday. Once he explained his intentions, it became clear that this wasn’t anti-military at all. It’s even more important considering that the team will travel to San Diego for their final preseason game, a city that is predominantly populated by military personnel and their families.
I don’t know exactly how it started, but one Facebook post went viral shortly before this began trending:
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To...
由 Jim Wright 貼上了 2016年8月28日
Here is a sampling of some of the Twitter posts. There are additional examples on Facebook, as well as Twitter. There were so many, I couldn’t post them all. Go search Twitter to start your day, you won’t regret it.
I didn't wear all this gear so people could be offended by how others exercise their rights. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/aI1TbxtgyS
— Rich Madrid (@rjmadrid) 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
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 serve for his right to protest.. I don't serve for Police Brutality.. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Q6GUNTwHDO
— Airbnb Papi (@JoeOnDemand) August 31, 2016
I'm riding with 7...I fought for freedom not a song #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/LZYUoHCbOT
— Phillip Richardson (@prich8604) August 31, 2016
Because we demand our country protect all its citizens equally. THAT is what I defended! #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/xOqLAO0b1f
— Robert Young (@robertcyoung) August 31, 2016
My father, a Marine, served his country in Vietnam. He says "we're far from justice for all" #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/8jXspHSOE6
— 7 (@ShimmiHendrix) August 31, 2016
A millionaire actually caring and doing something for poor people hes never met is AMERICAN #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/42NCwS84jV
— Black Ryan Lochte (@BlakeInmerica) August 30, 2016
Nah, sorry to disappoint. 20 year retired Navy Senior Chief here. But you tried it though. #VeteransForKaepernick https://t.co/pUFvH53JL3
— Shannon (@USNCS) August 31, 2016