Staff Reports
The ongoing saga involving Arlington National Cemetery and the Gold Star families of the 13 service members who lost their lives during the botched Afghanistan withdrawal is another shocking example of the callousness associated with the current Biden administration. It seems that for Biden and his cohorts, even a memorial ceremony can be turned into a bureaucratic nightmare that disregards the very families who have sacrificed so much for their country.
In an alarming display of disrespect, Arlington’s officials initially informed the families that the ceremony could only be held at a specific time, which was inconvenient for some. To add insult to injury, they insisted that former President Donald Trump, who had been invited to attend the ceremony and lay a wreath, would not be allowed at the gravesites. This outrageous behavior prompted concerned family members to seek assistance from Rep. Michael McCaul, who then contacted Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Johnson’s intervention highlights the stark contrast between those who stand up for our heroes and those who appear indifferent at best.
Arlington Gives Gold Star Families the Run Around Over Trump Speaking Until Mike Johnson Steps In: The bureaucracy run by Dems tries to do everything to block us and then lies about it in the media.https://t.co/SaByffqjno
— Randy Mott (@randymot4) August 30, 2024
Compounding the issue, Arlington Cemetery officials claimed that families didn’t want any media presence at the gravesites, which was evidently not the case. The families had specifically approved media, which was designated by Trump’s team. This futile effort to impose restrictions only showcased the lack of empathy among those managing this sacred ground. As if the situation could not get any more convoluted, it took a united front from several Republican representatives to ensure that the ceremony proceeded smoothly, proving that political party affiliations don’t matter when it comes to honoring the sacrifices of our military families.
Darin Hoover, a father who lost his son in the Afghanistan withdrawal, pointedly articulated that it was their invitation to Trump that prompted his presence, not some opportunistic ploy by Trump’s team. Hoover’s sentiments emphasized why having Trump attend meant so much: he has been a consistent source of support for these families, while the current administration has alienated them completely. In a refreshing contrast to the political elite, Trump demonstrated genuine compassion, which was sorely lacking from the White House. The stark reality is that many of these families have not heard from Biden since their loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice.
While family members gathered to honor their fallen heroes, Biden was reportedly sunbathing on a beach and Kamala Harris was busy campaigning. This display of indifference speaks volumes. How can Biden label the withdrawal an “extraordinary success” while continuously avoiding the families who are living with the fallout of that dreadful operation? Perhaps he fears the backlash he would face if confronted with the very real suffering of these families, knowing that his administration has failed them.
Meanwhile, the media continues its relentless crusade, seeking to stir up negativity around Trump and those who support him, even at the expense of grieving families. This scandalous behavior, epitomized by reporters trying to find inflammatory quotes from those mourning their loved ones, epitomizes the ugly tactics employed by the left. As Rep. Darrell Issa astutely pointed out, the Biden administration’s attempts to undermine Trump have turned Gold Star families into collateral damage in its ongoing partisan war. Should Trump regain the presidency, the hope remains that he would rectify the gross injustices that have stemmed from the Afghanistan withdrawal and ensure that Gold Star families receive the respect and honor they rightfully deserve.
