97-year-old war veteran takes a knee in response to President Trump’s protest comments
There’s never an age limit when it comes to fighting for what you believe in.
Brennan Gilmore tweeted a photo Sunday of his 97-year-old grandfather, John Middlemas, kneeling in support of the #TakeAKnee movement, started by former San Francisco 49ers football player Colin Kaepernick in 2016 over police violence against African Americans.
President Donald Trump’s outspoken criticism against athletes who don’t stand up for the national anthem sparked this protest among people like Middlemas in solidarity with NFL athletes who kneeled on the field this weekend.
My grandpa is a 97 year-old WWII vet & Missouri farmer who wanted to join w/ those who #TakeaKnee: “those kids have every right to protest.” pic.twitter.com/LurCj7SLUB
— Brennan Gilmore (@brennanmgilmore) September 24, 2017
“My grandpa is a 97-year-old WWII vet and Missouri farmer who wanted to join with those who #TakeAKnee,” Gilmore tweeted. The World War II veteran told Gilmore, “those kids have every right to protest.“
The fight against injustice isn’t new for the war vet. In a following tweet Gilmore stated his grandfather was an ally in the civil rights movement and “an amazing man always on the side of justice.”
Grandpa has been an ally to the civil rights movement for many years. He’s an amazing man always on the side of justice.
— Brennan Gilmore (@brennanmgilmore) September 24, 2017
He even shared a few old photos of his grandfather in the Navy and as a farmer.
Grandpa is very appreciative of all the positive messages people have sent. Here are a few favorite pics, from the Navy and from the farm. pic.twitter.com/c9dC8gb0b0
— Brennan Gilmore (@brennanmgilmore) September 25, 2017
This viral image sparked tweets from veterans and users alike, praising the war veteran on his stand against the issue and thanking him for his service. The tweet has garnered over 140,000 likes.
My dad was also a WWII vet, and would have been taking a knee today. Your Pop is now everyone’s Pop. Give him a hug for me.
— Debbie Culwell (@DebbieCulwell) September 24, 2017
That’s America!!! Thank you for sharing. This Gulf War veteran, wants to say thank you to your grandfather. “The Greatest Generation.”
— CowboysFanGreg (@GregCowboys) September 24, 2017
My brother who recently passed was WW2 VET, he was 92. If he was here he would agree with your Grandpa. Right to protest was fought for.
— Mary Lou Dorazio (@catlover1943) September 25, 2017
It goes to show a true example of what actually makes America great.
Read more: http://mashable.com/2017/09/25/wwii-veteran-take-knee-support-protest/
