There will be an extra layer of drama this week if 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick plans to sit during the national anthem in protest before Thursday’s preseason finale against the Chargers in San Diego,
The Chargers will be hosting their 28th Annual Salute to the Military on Thursday night, a yearly celebration which honors the large military population of the San Diego area with pregame festivities that includes the Marine Band San Diego playing, a parachute team jumping in to Qualcomm Stadium while 240 sailors, marines and soldiers present a “U.S. Super Flag” onto the field.
Via Press release.
“Fans in attendance will enjoy pregame entertainment provided by the Marine Band San Diego along with the Frog X parachute team, featuring retired navy seals who will be leaping into Qualcomm Stadium. The National Anthem will be performed by Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Powell from the U.S. Navy while 240 sailors, marines and soldiers present a U.S. Super Flag and service emblems from all branches of service. Color guards from the Navy, Marine Corps and Army will present the flag.”
The Chargers are also planning a ceremony at halftime honoring six Vietnam War veterans in remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the war followed by a fireworks show, then Powell will sing “God Bless America” at the start of the third quarter.
The Chargers say that they have been planning the event for several months and that the timing with Kaepernick’s controversial statements is purely coincidental.
Game not recently scheduled as Chargers' Salute to Military. "It's been several months," team spokesman said. Event held once each preseason
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 31, 2016
Oh yeah this is going to get interesting.