Kneeling for social justice is, in fact, standing up for what that flag represents in a way that every American, current or former military included, should support.
Kneeling for social justice carries — supposedly — the work of our military forward.
Truly honoring this country, and/or the symbols representing this country, is to honor its Constitution (since we have a particularly good one). Where this country isn't itself fully honoring the letter and spirit of its Constitution, attention should be drawn to it. This is what this kneeling business is about — it is not a defacing, dishonoring of the damn flag.
The flag isn't sacred. Stop worshipping false idols. The flag is a logo representing a living, breathing federal republic/constitutional representative democracy. The flag represents a work in progress.
The greatest way to honor our military is to ensure as little power is granted toward nationalism. Nationalism virtually ensures our military will be misused, because nationalism tells us to blindly support its use, because, you know, 'Merica.
I've been away — has discussion of how the fed gov paid the NFL to have its teams on the field during the anthem been included in this larger discussion? Why did they do that? To assist in nationalistic zeal to the benefit of military recruitment. Doesn't get much more big government than that, folks. Previously, NFL teams didn't appear on the field to start the game until the anthem was completed.
Germane to this is the whole "God" business in the pledge, on the money, etc. Why? We're supposedly church and state separated. That's one of the foundations. Why was this added? Because religion? Nah. Because the lords of our society want us worshipping money and country. All these seeds are planted. Branding 101.
Well, maybe Branding 201.