Colin Kaepernick is getting a ton of support from military veterans

Paul Szoldra

Aug 31, 2016, 21:09 IST

Christian Petersen/Getty

Embattled NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is getting support for his silent Friday night protest from an unlikely place: US military veterans.

On Friday, Kaepernick sparked controversy after he was seen on the sidelines, sitting silently during the national anthem. He later said that he was "not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color."

His choice to sit during the anthem sparked plenty of debate, and even Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump chimed in. But on Tuesday, a new hashtag of #VeteransForKaepernick emerged in his support on Twitter, with many veterans saying the free speech right of the 49ers quarterback was exactly what they swore to defend.

Here's a sampling:

When I enlisted I swore to defend the Constitution- including the 1st amendment (not to defend the flag) #VeteransForKaepernick
- Richard Howard (@VASurgChief) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick because when I'm not in uniform, the dog avi'd crew doesn't give a damn about my treatment pic.twitter.com/AcKyCEZOv4
- Obeah Woman (@LovelyLadyNeka) August 31, 2016

I will always fight for the right to speak. #VeteransForKaepernick try looking Black 1 day and a Muslim the next... pic.twitter.com/NAGAM2Vf55
- Lysus - Philipe (@Lysus_Gaming) August 31, 2016

I may not agree with Kaepernick. But I agree that I defended everyone's freedom of speech #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/ua8ESUg7zH
- Antonio Ramirez (@Antonio_Ramir3z) August 31, 2016

#veteransforkaepernick I served this country to help defend the constitution of the United States. I support him!! pic.twitter.com/QdEMgEjYhX
- Jarron Taylor (@JarronDTaylor) August 31, 2016

because everyone deserves life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness #VeteransForKaepernick #VeteransForBlackLives pic.twitter.com/HdzAwMi8eF
- Buffalo Wings (@jamiepinkham) August 31, 2016

I served for EVERYONE'S freedom. Don't presume to speak for me. I got this. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/ybGxE896wP
- Emmy Jay (@emeraldjaguar) August 31, 2016

Agree or disagree with him - Free speech is free speech. All the time, for everyone. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/iJbK8wuYE4
- Pomp (@APompliano) 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'd never try to shame someone with "patriotism" in order to silence their 1st amend Right. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/OrC1vyIB2U
- Brandon Keating (@BrandonTalks) August 31, 2016

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