An organic hashtag related to 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protest exploded on Twitter Tuesday night.
In an effort to clear up others who were speaking on their behalf, #VeteransForKaepernick used the social media platform to express their own feelings.
Drew Brees, Rex Ryan, and other prominent figures and citizens have condemned Kaepernick for disrespecting American soldiers for sitting during the Star-Spangled Banner. But the men and women who are actually the ones overseas protecting our freedoms wanted to chime in themselves.
Contrary to popular belief, a ton of our military members are supporting Kaepernick.
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 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
#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 serve to protect your freedoms, not a song #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/HcCkMsVMOh
— Marco (@BasedMarcoM) August 31, 2016
After all these tweets from writers with grudges and ignorant comments from former players, #VeteransForKaepernick is a breath of fresh air.
— Bay Area Sports Guy (@BASportsGuy) August 31, 2016
Holy smokes! #VeteransForKaepernick is trending. pic.twitter.com/avi7W1BLJm
— 49ers Hub (@49ersHub) August 31, 2016
#VeteransForKaepernick is truly one of the best hashtags to happen on this app
— Ashley Holcomb (@ashleyxholcomb) August 31, 2016
#VeteransForKaepernick I served 5 years and I support you @Kaepernick7 ! Sitting or standing, exercise your rights! pic.twitter.com/uSoaS4H7fm
— Dionna Bratcher (@DionnaBratcher) August 31, 2016
I was a black man before I put on the uniform and I'm still a black man after taking it off #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/H85dea4OuV
— SH?N (@brownlashon) August 31, 2016
Kaepernick politely declined to speak with reporters on the record Tuesday in the locker room, playfully encouraging the 49ers’ PR staff to hand out transcripts of his 18 minute marathon interview from Sunday.