Yes, though Kaepernick has gone on record saying he meant no disrespect to the armed forces by his actions last Friday that set social media on fire, Thursday night should be a little awkward.
Why? The 49ers QB will continue his protest of the National Anthem and American flag in San Diego tonight during the Chargers’ military appreciation game, dubbed ‘Salute To Military’ night, the 28th annual to be exact.
The Chargers said they have been planning this event for months and hold it every preseason, so any connection to the Kaepernick controversy is completely random. There will be a huge military presence during pregame festivities, with the Marine Band San Diego playing, the Frog X parachute team jumping in to Qualcomm Stadium, and the national anthem will be performed by Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Powell of the Navy. Meanwhile, 240 sailors, marines and soldiers will present a “U.S. Super Flag” on the field.
It may be important to note that San Diego is one of the most military-focused cities in our entire country, with a naval base sitting just miles from the stadium, air craft carrier and all.
Kaepernick has made it known that he will continue to sit during the National Anthem until “things change”, citing oppression, police brutality, and “bodies in the streets.”
