The #VeteransforKaepernick hashtag is is trending nationally: an unfuckwithable response to claims that Colin Kaepernick is disrespecting the military by refusing to stand for the national anthem to protest police killings and the oppression of people of color. Here's how Kaepernick himself responded to the charge when asked by reporters:
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 and they fight for freedom, they fight for the people, they fight for liberty and justice for everyone. And that’s not happening. I mean people are dying in vain because this country isn’t holding their end of the bargain up.
Self-identified local vets who've joined the effort include Shaun Neal, Seattle:
I spent 10 years flying jets to uphold and defend our Constitution, not a flag or an anthem. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/6t1eHNWGFv
— Shaun Neal (@ShaunGNeal) August 31, 2016
Karen, Seattle:
#VeteransforKaepernick I served to support & defend the constitution for EVERYONE-I support you @Kaepernick7 pic.twitter.com/wbprsHpJXq
— Karin (@kkyarb) August 31, 2016
Jim Glass, Seattle:
If your idea of free speech only extends to what you agree with, you don't believe in free speech. #veteransforkaepernick
— Jim Glass, Jr. (@JaAG) August 31, 2016
Keith Baker, Bellevue:
My grandfather, my father and I all served so @Kaepernick7 could sit down to bring awareness to a huge injustice! #VeteransForKaepernick
— Keith Baker (@KeithBakerLXVI) August 31, 2016
Jeffrey La France, Seattle:
I support and defend the 1st amendment as much as the 2nd @Kaepernick7 #VeteransForKaepernick
— Jeffrey LaFrance (@lafrancejeffrey) August 31, 2016
JT, Seattle:
I stand by you @Kaepernick7 #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Vv40k6RNUc
— 0 Hoes (@WhatUpJT) August 31, 2016
Kevin Hockley, Mercer Island:
21 years served. Not offended. Freedom of speech is your right. @Kaepernick7 #VeteransForKaepernick
— Kevin Hockley (@kevin_hockley) August 31, 2016
Jaffy Zaragoza, Seattle:
serving to protect every American's safety, rights and freedom. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/o1JYVeJwUc
— jaffy zaragoza (@jaffyzaragoza) August 31, 2016
