Christian Petersen via Getty Images Colin Kaepernick watches from the sidelines during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

Ever since Colin Kaepernick decided to sit during the national anthem at an NFL preseason game last week, one of the more common criticisms leveled against the San Francisco 49ers quarterback has been that he is disrespecting veterans by not paying proper tribute to the American flag.

Kaepernick’s own former teammate, the Minnesota Vikings’ Alex Boone, for one, expressed his frustration with the quarterback’s protest on Sunday. Boone saw it as an affront to veterans, like Boone’s own brother. “You should have some (expletive) respect for people who served,” Boone told USA Today.

Kaepernick has tried to make clear that he does not wish to disrespect any military veterans in the days since his protest. Rather, he believes the ideals for which they risk their lives are not being similarly protected at home.

“I have great respect for the men and women that have fought for this country,” he said Sunday. “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.”

But, he added. “People are dying in vain because this country isn’t holding their end of the bargain up, as far as giving freedom and justice, liberty to everybody.”

Large numbers of Americans have continued to criticize Kaepernick in the days after his comments. But a noteworthy group has also started to speak up in his defense: veterans themselves. Over the last day, military veterans have taken to Twitter and other social media in support not only of Kaepernick’s right to free speech, but of the particulars of his message, too.

“If you haven’t served, don’t speak on my behalf,” one veteran wrote.

“I serve for his right to protest.. I don’t serve for Police Brutality..” another wrote.

Below you’ll find just some of the posts in defense of Kaepernick. Believe us when we say there are many more all over the internet.

I encourage all veterans to make similar post to mine and show support for our brother Kaepernick. Its a misconception that every military member is furious at his protest when there are those that are proud. #veteransforkaepernick A photo posted by @treyfade on Aug 29, 2016 at 7:01pm PDT

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

#VeteransForKaepernick I am a disabled veteran & haven't stood for the Anthem since I separated. We are not free! pic.twitter.com/4RO4qGdKul — Kristen Meghan (@KristenMeghan) 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

#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

Free speech is free speech, all the time #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/tOGOmYe0bC — Coleman Chase (@colemanachase) August 31, 2016

I took an oath & served, so players on a team I don't even like could have freedom of speech #VeteransforKaepernick😚 pic.twitter.com/yf7ZWPJvGs — IG SunnyAnderson (@SunnyAnderson) 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 to protect your freedoms, not a song #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/HcCkMsVMOh — Marco (@BasedMarcoM) August 31, 2016

Served from 97-2014 and I'm a firm believer of freedom of speech and expression. #nofilter #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/ZDPdmz9xMr — Erica Diggs (@DiggsandCo) 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

My husband just returned from 8 mos deployment defending @Kaepernick7's freedom of speech. #veteransforkaepernick pic.twitter.com/r4cAmTAAWj — Rebecca Gelinas (@wanderlust5) August 31, 2016

People who haven't served trying to tell us how we feel 🤔 #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/LQo8EgfkgQ — LeBron Flocka James (@Troncat_Montana) 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

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

Add me to the patriots who support this man and his rights along with his cause #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/wVh5o24G4M — Brandon Gericke (@bgericke999) August 31, 2016

I was black before I joined and I'll be black when I finish serving my time. #VeteransForKaepernick @Kaepernick7 ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/WYmk9ypViN — C+ (@CoreyBliss) August 31, 2016

I was brave enough to defend the rights of EVERYONE... Even those who dislike people like me. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/NwHn9PD8ps — Brandy (@S4Diva1978) August 31, 2016

I was a Black man before my service and will still be a Black man when I'm done #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Sjm8Laq9fB — Dominique Thorpe (@GenuinelySpoken) August 31, 2016

4 and a half years of service with a deployment and a year long remote.@Kaepernick7 #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/aumFDdLnA0 — Marcus (@Marcus_Sniffles) 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

I serve to protect your freedoms, not a song #VeteransForKaepernick — Jeffrey Crossman (@JCrossman1) August 31, 2016

I'm with @Kaepernick7. I'm a vet. I care about people's right to take a stand. It makes us better & smarter. #VeteransForKaepernick — Charlie (@CharlieInCT) 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