Staff Reports
The third anniversary of the tragic suicide bombing that claimed the lives of 13 brave American service members during the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal has ignited intense anger from Gold Star parents towards the Biden-Harris administration. Mark Schmitz, the father of Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, made it clear that he holds both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris accountable for the catastrophic events that unfolded. It seems that for him, the duo deserves equal billing when it comes to this unimaginable loss.
According to Schmitz, the chaotic withdrawal and ensuing chaos in Afghanistan is not just Biden’s legacy but Harris’s too. He pointed out that their policies have led to mayhem and questioned their competence at every turn. The hand-wringing is palpable as parents of fallen heroes face the hard truth that their children cannot return. They see the current state of the country and wonder if this is what their sons and daughters sacrificed for.
Then there’s Shana Chappell, another Gold Star parent who lost her son Marine Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui in the Abbey Gate attack. She didn’t mince words when it came to blaming Biden, firmly stating that the administration bears full responsibility for her son’s death. The grief of these parents is palpable, and they express a chilling realization that their sons did not give their lives for the America they see today.
The contrast between how Trump and Biden chose to spend this solemn anniversary couldn’t be more striking. Trump, in a show of respect, honored the fallen at Arlington National Cemetery, while Biden was reportedly enjoying a little fun in the sun at his beach house in Rehoboth. This detail wouldn’t be lost on those who expect their leaders to be present during moments of national mourning. Schmitz highlighted this disparity, remarking on Biden’s lackadaisical approach to recognizing the sacrifices made in the name of American freedom.
In yet another feeble attempt to acknowledge the tragedy, Biden issued a statement listing the names of the fallen service members, accompanied by the usual platitudes. Schmitz, however, noted that Biden was likely lounging with his sunscreen rather than personally commemorating the lives lost. This delay in recognizing their names triggered Schmitz’s frustration, who felt it shouldn’t have taken three long years for such a crucial acknowledgment.
Gold Star Parents Unleash Barrage on Biden and Kamala on Anniversary of Afghanistan Deaths
In contrast to Biden and Harris, @realDonaldTrump met with the families and they later invited him to a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. https://t.co/wOmUVfAkpW
— Randy DeSoto (@RandyDeSoto) August 27, 2024
Harris, seemingly oblivious to the growing resentment, declared her belief that Biden’s decision to withdraw was a courageous one. Remarkably, she even confirmed that she was “the last one in the room” when that fateful decision was made. This admission has not only drawn scrutiny to her role but has also done little to quell the anger felt by those who have suffered unimaginable losses. For grieving families, the invocation of valor surrounding a poorly executed withdrawal only adds salt to their wounds.
The media may scramble to report the latest on Harris’s campaign trail, but for Gold Star families, the memory of their loved ones serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made amid a backdrop of poor leadership. In a time where integrity and respect should reign, the contrast between past and present administrations has emerged as a point of contention—leaving many to wonder what the future holds under those currently at the helm of the nation.
