Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the national anthem might have angered NFL team executives, but he received plenty of support from America’s military veterans.

The 49ers quarterback last week 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”, which led to an explosion of criticism from fans, pundits and some players. One anonymous NFL executive said: “I don’t want him anywhere near my team. He’s a traitor.”

But that was balanced on Wednesday by the warm wishes from thousands of military personnel, whose #VeteransforKaepernick hashtag was trending after many tweets of support.

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

Nate Boyer, a former Green Beret and Seattle Seahawks long snapper, also offered his support. He said of Kaepernick: “Not only does he every right to do that, but I respect him. It was incredibly brave what he did.”

Boyer, writing an open letter to the San Francisco QB in the Army Times, said he initially felt anger toward Kaepernick but then changed his mind.

“I’m not judging you for standing up for what you believe in,” Boyer said. “It’s your inalienable right. What you are doing takes a lot of courage, and I’d be lying if I said I knew what it was like to walk around in your shoes. I’ve never had to deal with prejudice because of the color of my skin, and for me to say I can relate to what you’ve gone through is as ignorant as someone who’s never been in a combat zone telling me they understand what it’s like to go to war.

“Even though my initial reaction to your protest was one of anger, I’m trying to listen to what you’re saying and why you’re doing it. When I told my mom about this article, she cautioned me that ‘the last thing our country needed right now was more hate.’ As usual, she’s right.”

Kaepernick said last Friday after the Packers game: “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

49ers coach Chip Kelly supported his decision and said it was his “right as a citizen” to choose whether to stand. Kelly said Kaepernick will play in Thursday’s preseason finale against the Chargers, who will be holding their annual salute to the military at that game.

The NFL has said players are “encouraged but not required” to stand during the national anthem.