Chargers will fete military with 49ers in town

Colin Kaepernick will sit. And San Diego will salute.

Kaepernick’s choosing not to stand for the national anthem will coincide with the Chargers’ 28th annual “Salute to the Military” celebration during the 49ers’ final preseason game Thursday night in San Diego.

The national anthem will be performed by Petty Officer 1st Class Steve Powell from the U.S. Navy while 240 sailors, Marines and soldiers present a huge American flag, the Chargers announced. Powell will return at the start of the third quarter to perform “God Bless America.”

San Diego County has seven military bases and the largest concentration of military personnel and ships in the world, according to military press.com.

Colin Kaepernick greets Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Friday night. Colin Kaepernick greets Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Friday night. Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Chargers will fete military with 49ers in town 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

Kaepernick has touched off a national debate by sitting during the anthem in the 49ers’ first three preseason games. He has been widely criticized for disrespecting the military, an issue he addressed Sunday.

“I have great respect for the men and women that have fought for this country,” Kaepernick said. “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. That’s not happening. 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.”

Chargers spokesman Bill Johnston said he didn’t know if additional security would be present Thursday. Kaepernick has said he’s not “too concerned” about his safety.

“If something happens,” Kaepernick said, “that’s only proving my point.”

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At halftime, the Chargers will recognize six Vietnam War veterans and will have wounded warriors as special guests. They will conclude halftime with a patriotic fireworks show.

Eric Branch is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ebranch@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @Eric_Branch