49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers in the first half of their preseason football game at Levi's Stadium on Aug. 26, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Military veterans are taking to Twitter to back Colin Kaepernick’s stance on not standing for the national anthem.

Vets are showing their support for Kaepernick on social media through the hashtag “VeteransForKaepernick.” This comes as many are ripping the San Francisco 49ers quarterback, saying he’s disrespecting the military by sitting during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Some people even posted videos burning Kaepernick’s jersey.

#VeteransForKaepernick began trending on Twitter on Tuesday and continued through Wednesday.

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

As a veteran, @Kaepernick7 's protest is a beautiful part of what we fought for: free speech and perfecting our union #VeteransForKaepernick — Josh Howell (@lesscrazyplease) August 31, 2016

I didn't serve this country for my son to be afraid to walk down the street at night #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/hgweAkv1uG — Cindy Henderson (@stadiumdatesCEO) August 31, 2016

anyone who wants to deny @Kaepernick7 the right to protest has to come through us ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿 #veteransforkaepernick pic.twitter.com/PgiNso7l1m — Kevin Maserati (@kevinDAtruth88) August 31, 2016

How do I explained to them that I defend a country that won't defend me? #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/8VfFw749hQ — IG&SC: BennyHeightz (@BennyHeightz) August 31, 2016

I love my country and will die for your first amendment #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/JImIC21O3r — Stacy P on the Beat (@BeatGodStacy) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick Don't be upset over a song…be upset an American didn't feel like it applied to him. pic.twitter.com/YGu0PTgKKp — Andrew Frank (@AndrewFrank81) August 31, 2016

I served 1966 to 1968 US Army and I'm with him. #VeteransForKaepernick — robert marrow (@robertmarrow) August 31, 2016

Don't speak for me I have my own voice #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/NFAEdZk9L7 — Cerissa Chimere (@chimerecerissa) August 31, 2016

#VeteransForKaepernick cause we still got work to do / 3rd generation veteran / Served 1997 – 2001 pic.twitter.com/JIeC4ZXEh8 — kori (@kay_oh_are_eye) August 31, 2016

One doesn't have to agree w/ the form of protest but by God I'll defend your right. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/1h0kXzbsmn — Andre M. (@AM_T57) August 31, 2016

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback ignited a firestorm of controversy taking a stand by sitting through the anthem. Kaepernick says he’s protesting what he describes as oppression of minorities in the United States.

“I’m going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed,” Kaepernick said Sunday. “To me this is something that has to change. When there’s significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.”

Kaepernick also told reporters Sunday that he has family members and friends who have served in the military and that he has “great respect for men and women that have fought for this country.”

“They fight for freedom,” he said. “They fight for the people, they fight for liberty and justice for everyone, and 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. It’s something that’s not happening.

“I’ve seen videos. I’ve seen circumstances where men and women that have been in the military have come back and been treated unjustly by the country they fought for and have been murdered by the country they fought for, on our land. That’s not right.”

Kaepernick says he will continue his protest ahead of Thursday’s preseason game in San Diego.

That game will have special meaning as it is the Chargers’ 28th annual Salute to the Military.

According to the team’s website, the organization will pay “tribute to hundreds of thousands of current and retired military personnel who live and work in San Diego.”

“The Star-Spangled Banner” will be performed by Naval Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Powell.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)