Kate Upton and Rob Lowe Slam NFL Players for Sitting During National Anthem on 9/11

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The recent protests by some NFL players refusing to stand during the National Anthem has celebrities speaking out.

Sunday marked the 15-year anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and the protest -- which was started by San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick -- didn't sit well with some football fans. "Dear @NFL, Any player wants to boycott the anthem on 9/11 should be asked to remain in the locker room until kick off," Rob Lowe, 52, tweeted. "It's not their moment."

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Kate Upton also took issue with several Miami Dolphins kneeling during the anthem. "This is unacceptable. You should be proud to be an American," the 24-year-old supermodel wrote. "Especially on 9/11 when we should support each other."

Upton added: "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."

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

Her fiance, MLB player Justin Verlander, also chimed in, declaring that he would not be sitting when the National Anthem is performed. "I choose to stand. Remembering all those who lost their lives 15 years ago on 9/11," he Instagrammed. "Also, the countless who've given their lives defending our freedom here at home. #NeverForget#PatriotDay."

I choose to stand. Remembering all those who lost their lives 15 years ago on 9/11. Also, the countless who've given their lives defending our freedom here at home. #NeverForget #PatriotDay

A photo posted by Justin Verlander (@justinverlander) on Sep 11, 2016 at 6:27am PDT

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Meanwhile, Chris Brown chose to stay seated for the National Anthem during a charity basketball game over the weekend in Los Angeles, California, and his actions were met with bit of backlash. The 27-year-old singer then Instagrammed a photo of him seated during the song, with the caption: "Stay classy."

Stay classy!

A photo posted by 1 YOU ❤️ 2 HATE (@chrisbrownofficial) on Sep 11, 2016 at 6:36pm PDT

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At this year's Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Gabby Douglas also came under fire for not putting her hand over her heart during the National Anthem. The gymnast later issued an apology, saying she "never meant any disrespect." Here's more on that story:

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