US Airman Who 'Took The Knee' At Remembrance Event Was "Feeling Faint"

The US Air Force has defended an airman who has been attacked on social media for 'taking the knee' during a Remembrance service at RAF Mildenhall.

A photo appeared on social media, apparently showing the airman leaving formation and going down on one knee. 

Some users were quick to jump to the conclusion that it was linked to a civil rights protest in the US which has seen some NFL stars kneel during the National Anthem.

Players have been using the silent protest to demonstrate their concerns about police brutality and racial inequality in the United States.

However, the US Air Force, which operates RAF Mildenhall, has said that the Airman First Class was not doing this and he was just feeling faint. 

In a statement they said:

"During a Remembrance Sunday event held in Mildenhall on November 12th, an Airman stepped out of the formation and went down to one knee in order to avoid sustaining injury after he began to feel faint, which was the right thing to do under the circumstances.

"This can be a common occurrence for Airmen participating in these types of events, and at no time did this Airman display or intend any disrespect to either the U.S. or U.K. service members the event was honoring.

"We hold our Airmen to high standards in upholding the customs and courtesies of the United States Air Force.

"Our Airmen are professionals dedicated to defending our way of life and assuring our allies and we are proud to serve alongside them."

Other pictures on social media show the airman standing and saluting during both the US and British national anthems.

It was only during the playing of Reveille that he stepped backwards out of formation and went down on one knee.

It is being reported that the airman's name is being withheld because of the threats he has received and concerns about his safety.

The photo was first posted on Facebook group 'Traditional British' and has since been shared over 900 times and had more than 500 comments, some of which threaten the airman.

One person claiming to be a crew chief at Mildenhall stated that the airman kneeled because he was about to pass out.