The actor, who plays Sam Wilson/Captain America in the upcoming film "Captain America: Brave New World" film, took to Instagram on Tuesday with a statement he shared in a story about what the role means to him and expressing his appreciation for those who serve and have served the country.

Anthony Mackie shared a statement on Instagram in response to those who criticized recent comments he made about the Captain America character in which he said, "Let me be clear about this, I'm a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like CAP is the honor of a lifetime.