Veterans for Kaepernick hashtag blows up as QB receives support

Colin Kaepernick is being slammed from all angles for protesting the national anthem by refusing to stand when it is played prior to his NFL games. The San Francisco 49ers QB is taking a stand on this matter because he wants to bring attention and change to what he feels is unjust conduct by some police officers towards black people.

Many have called Kaepernick “disrespectful” for his actions and have criticized his decision to protest the anthem. They say he is being particularly disrespectful to the military and other people who protect the country and the flag.

But one funny thing happened on Tuesday: Kaepernick began to receive support from the very people the masses said he was disrespecting. And the support came in the form of a movement on social media “#VeteransforKaepernick.”

As best as we can tell, the hashtag movement began with a Facebook post on Monday:

#veteransforkaepernick pic.twitter.com/chcHpHkYJ0

— BRUH WITH DA FADE (@Treyfade) August 30, 2016

That post was shared on Twitter and led to a hashtag picking up steam Tuesday evening:

We got dragged into wars we shouldn't of fought and now we get dragged into another war we shouldn't have to fight #VeteransForKaepernick

— #VeteransForKaep (@WinkWestwood) August 29, 2016

By late Tuesday, there were thousands of tweets sent using the #VeteransforKaepernick hashtag. Tons of people who claim to be vets said on Twitter that they fought to protect Kaepernick’s right to protest. Here’s a look at many of those tweets:

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 serve to protect your freedoms, not a song #VeteransForKaepernick

— Jeffrey Crossman (@JCrossman1) 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 I no longer own a uniform but I will always be a disabled veteran. I almost died for everyone's freedom.

— holy hell (@holyhellkel) August 30, 2016

In case there was doubt left

I'm a veteran and I support @Kaepernick7 #VeteransForKaepernick

— A.J. Richards (@WillLiftForFun) August 30, 2016

I'd die for Kap's right to freely say or do something that I disagree with #Veteransforkaepernick
Thoreau in1849, https://t.co/qrflVmj7EA

— Chris Kidd (@thechriskidd) August 30, 2016

#VeteransforKaepernick I fought for EVERYONE to enjoy freedom of expression and freedom of speech. Not just false patriots

— |_ë$líê (@LariskaPargitay) August 30, 2016

#VeteransforKaepernick I believe in the same exact stance he took. Go ahead and burn my uniforms pic.twitter.com/SMWDbURVv6

— |_ë$líê (@LariskaPargitay) August 30, 2016

After serving my country I can proudly say that I am a #VeteransForKaepernick

— Kent Black (@MisterAmazin) August 30, 2016

.@Kaepernick7 As a veteran and current AD, I support your move. I served for that very right. Thanks for speaking up! #VeteransForKaepernick

— Swolelax (@xTrecero) August 30, 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

2 tours: Iraq & Afghanistan and I completely respect and understand Kaepernick's reasoning. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/JZvq8jDhN1

— cHELLe (@chellegaylor24) August 30, 2016

I'm active duty army and I support @Kaepernick7 #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/UWgM4NGyg1

— Panda Papi (@everythingKAM) August 30, 2016

protesting is EVERY Americans right. regardless of what for #Veteransforkaepernick pic.twitter.com/NqsE7QVCJQ

— Richey Collazo (@RicheyCollazo) August 30, 2016

Crazy the media is trying to tell how VETERANS feel about the Kap situation. I support him. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/IP2orede7k

— Eli'jah Jordan (@elijahXL) August 31, 2016

To slander a man for exercising his freedom of speech, shows we don't understand freedom. #VeteransforKaepernick pic.twitter.com/9rXt51Wzq1

— Isaac wright (@I_Zac33) 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

#VeteransForKaepernick Because we're actually not all self-centered racists. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/VHnW5Pbxav

— Ed Beck (@DEdwardBeck) August 31, 2016

This stated things well: