Kate Upton calls NFL players protesting national anthem on 9/11 "horrific"

In an Instagram essay, model Kate Upton joined the pseudo-patriotic ranks of folks criticizing four Miami Dolphins players who knelt during the national anthem on Sunday, the 15th anniversary of the World Trade Center terror attacks.

"Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country," Upton captioned a photo of running back Arian Foster, linebacker Jelani Jenkins, safety Michael Thomas, and wide receiver Kenny Stills kneeling in protest of police violence. "Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed."

"Today we are more divided then [sic] ever before," she continued. "I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 911 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place #neverforget."

Taking a knee before a preseason game late last month, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began the trend of NFL players protesting during the national anthem. For his display, Kaepernick drew criticism from GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, who suggested he "find a country that works better for him."

In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom. Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed. Recent history has shown that it is a place where anyone no matter what race or gender has the potential to become President of the United States. We live in the most special place in the world and should be thankful. After the song is over, I would encourage everyone to please use the podium they have, stand up for their beliefs, and make America a better place. The rebuilding of battery park and the freedom tower demonstrates that amazing things can be done in this country when we work together towards a common goal. It is a shame how quickly we have forgotten this as a society. Today we are more divided then ever before. I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 911 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place #neverforget.

A photo posted by Kate Upton (@kateupton) on Sep 11, 2016 at 4:12pm PDT

(h/t NY Post)