Trump Campaign verbally and physically assaults Arlington Memorial staff, illegally uses site for campaigning

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm just joining now...

But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them.

Highly skeptical that you're "just joining now" (in fact, I think some of you are trolls and are sockpuppeting). I have a question for YOU: what is so special about this group of Gold Star families? Why should they be singled out for attention and not any other group of families of war dead?

OK, well, I guess you can ask Jeff to verify I haven't posted on this thread before if it matters to you.

I am not sure why you are answering a question with a question. My husband has served in combat under multiple administrations, and if he had been killed in combat, God forbid, I don't know if I would have been receptive to outreach from the CIC at the time - but I would certainly prefer it be proffered than not proffered. It is impossible to predict how families will react, which is why notification is such a tremendous duty, but it is the right thing to do to offer full ceremony, ritual and regard to Gold Star families. If it is rebuffed, it's rebuffed-but it seems a simple thing to do. I am wondering why it hasn't been done? It certainly is causing further division and pain.

I'm the PP you are responding to. I answered a question with a question because I STILL don't understand what is so special about this specific group of Gold Star families--given the enormity of loss represented at ANC. But I will try to answer your questions on the assumption that they are sincere. You asked: "But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them."

I can't speak for the Biden administration, but I'm assuming they're not reaching out to the families because it would be a damned if you do/damned if you don't situation. Since the incident occurred, it has become highly politicized and is a frequent line of attack against the Biden administration. Some of the relatives were openly hostile to Biden and criticized him publicly 3 years ago after Biden met with the families at Dover when the caskets were brought back. A subset of the families spoke at the recent RNC and, working with the Trump Campaign, have released a statement and videos which criticize Biden and Harris. The relatives are not looking for "comfort" from the Biden administration as you suggest. Some of them hold Biden personally culpable for their loved ones' deaths. You can be sure that if Biden met with them, even if privately, he would not be graciously received and every word of the interaction would be used against him. They've already made up their minds about what happened and who's at fault and there's nothing Biden or Harris can do or say to change that. Finally, Biden/Harris are not "just ignoring them"--the WH has said that B/H were not invited (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-harris-werent-invited-arlington-abbey-gate-trump-rcna169154).

Biden did meet with them though. Not all the families but I’m sure all would have been invited. They were unhappy with the meeting (they accused him of looking at his watch). But it most certainly happened.

He was wearing his dead son Beau's watch and Beau's rosary on his wrist and looked at it. Biden still blames Afghanistan service for his son's death due to cancer from proximity to toxic burn pits.

Boom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm just joining now...

But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them.

Highly skeptical that you're "just joining now" (in fact, I think some of you are trolls and are sockpuppeting). I have a question for YOU: what is so special about this group of Gold Star families? Why should they be singled out for attention and not any other group of families of war dead?

OK, well, I guess you can ask Jeff to verify I haven't posted on this thread before if it matters to you.

I am not sure why you are answering a question with a question. My husband has served in combat under multiple administrations, and if he had been killed in combat, God forbid, I don't know if I would have been receptive to outreach from the CIC at the time - but I would certainly prefer it be proffered than not proffered. It is impossible to predict how families will react, which is why notification is such a tremendous duty, but it is the right thing to do to offer full ceremony, ritual and regard to Gold Star families. If it is rebuffed, it's rebuffed-but it seems a simple thing to do. I am wondering why it hasn't been done? It certainly is causing further division and pain.

I'm the PP you are responding to. I answered a question with a question because I STILL don't understand what is so special about this specific group of Gold Star families--given the enormity of loss represented at ANC. But I will try to answer your questions on the assumption that they are sincere. You asked: "But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them."

I can't speak for the Biden administration, but I'm assuming they're not reaching out to the families because it would be a damned if you do/damned if you don't situation. Since the incident occurred, it has become highly politicized and is a frequent line of attack against the Biden administration. Some of the relatives were openly hostile to Biden and criticized him publicly 3 years ago after Biden met with the families at Dover when the caskets were brought back. A subset of the families spoke at the recent RNC and, working with the Trump Campaign, have released a statement and videos which criticize Biden and Harris. The relatives are not looking for "comfort" from the Biden administration as you suggest. Some of them hold Biden personally culpable for their loved ones' deaths. You can be sure that if Biden met with them, even if privately, he would not be graciously received and every word of the interaction would be used against him. They've already made up their minds about what happened and who's at fault and there's nothing Biden or Harris can do or say to change that. Finally, Biden/Harris are not "just ignoring them"--the WH has said that B/H were not invited (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-harris-werent-invited-arlington-abbey-gate-trump-rcna169154).

Biden did meet with them though. Not all the families but I’m sure all would have been invited. They were unhappy with the meeting (they accused him of looking at his watch). But it most certainly happened.

Yes, he met with those of them that would meet with him (some refused) at Dover three years ago when the caskets came in and he was, as you say, criticized for looking at his watch, among other things. The issue is that some PPs are saying that Biden should have met with the families again in 2024, on the 3rd year anniversary.

What’s so special about the third anniversary? What about the first? Or second? Or fourth? Or fifth?

Could it be that, wait for it, the third occurs during a presidential election year???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My question is, WHY was this being done NOW???

The Afghan withdrawal was in 2021. 3 years ago. THREE YEARS AGO.

There is one and only one reason why it was done NOW and that's because it was to try and boost Trump and to trash the Biden admin (and by extension Harris) BECAUSE IT'S ELECTION SEASON.

This was NOT an "official ceremony" and Biden wasn't informed, involved or anything.

All lies. A political stunt. And they abused one of our nation's most hallowed memorials to do it.

You are wrong.

It’s the 3rd anniversary of Abbey Gate.

That’s why it’s been 3 years- it’s the 3rd anniversary of the death of their children.

What made it an “official” ceremony? Who organized it at ANC or in the militar?

DP. Neither. It was not an official ceremony. Arlington National Cemetery did not organize it, the Department of Defense did not organize it. And, it only involved one family. An official ceremony would have been open to all of the Gold Star families who lost loved ones that day and typically would have additional elements such as color guard/honor guard, a military chaplain, and so on provided by DoD.

Are you for real? The ceremony was for all the Abbey Gate Families.

Cite your sources.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm just joining now...

But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them.

Highly skeptical that you're "just joining now" (in fact, I think some of you are trolls and are sockpuppeting). I have a question for YOU: what is so special about this group of Gold Star families? Why should they be singled out for attention and not any other group of families of war dead?

OK, well, I guess you can ask Jeff to verify I haven't posted on this thread before if it matters to you.

I am not sure why you are answering a question with a question. My husband has served in combat under multiple administrations, and if he had been killed in combat, God forbid, I don't know if I would have been receptive to outreach from the CIC at the time - but I would certainly prefer it be proffered than not proffered. It is impossible to predict how families will react, which is why notification is such a tremendous duty, but it is the right thing to do to offer full ceremony, ritual and regard to Gold Star families. If it is rebuffed, it's rebuffed-but it seems a simple thing to do. I am wondering why it hasn't been done? It certainly is causing further division and pain.

I'm the PP you are responding to. I answered a question with a question because I STILL don't understand what is so special about this specific group of Gold Star families--given the enormity of loss represented at ANC. But I will try to answer your questions on the assumption that they are sincere. You asked: "But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them."

I can't speak for the Biden administration, but I'm assuming they're not reaching out to the families because it would be a damned if you do/damned if you don't situation. Since the incident occurred, it has become highly politicized and is a frequent line of attack against the Biden administration. Some of the relatives were openly hostile to Biden and criticized him publicly 3 years ago after Biden met with the families at Dover when the caskets were brought back. A subset of the families spoke at the recent RNC and, working with the Trump Campaign, have released a statement and videos which criticize Biden and Harris. The relatives are not looking for "comfort" from the Biden administration as you suggest. Some of them hold Biden personally culpable for their loved ones' deaths. You can be sure that if Biden met with them, even if privately, he would not be graciously received and every word of the interaction would be used against him. They've already made up their minds about what happened and who's at fault and there's nothing Biden or Harris can do or say to change that. Finally, Biden/Harris are not "just ignoring them"--the WH has said that B/H were not invited (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-harris-werent-invited-arlington-abbey-gate-trump-rcna169154).

Biden did meet with them though. Not all the families but I’m sure all would have been invited. They were unhappy with the meeting (they accused him of looking at his watch). But it most certainly happened.

He was wearing his dead son Beau's watch and Beau's rosary on his wrist and looked at it. Biden still blames Afghanistan service for his son's death due to cancer from proximity to toxic burn pits.

Beau was never in Afghanistan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My question is, WHY was this being done NOW???

The Afghan withdrawal was in 2021. 3 years ago. THREE YEARS AGO.

There is one and only one reason why it was done NOW and that's because it was to try and boost Trump and to trash the Biden admin (and by extension Harris) BECAUSE IT'S ELECTION SEASON.

This was NOT an "official ceremony" and Biden wasn't informed, involved or anything.

All lies. A political stunt. And they abused one of our nation's most hallowed memorials to do it.

You are wrong.

It’s the 3rd anniversary of Abbey Gate.

That’s why it’s been 3 years- it’s the 3rd anniversary of the death of their children.

If so, did they also do this on the 1st and 2nd anniversary? I don't recall Trump going to Arlington for those. Because THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN THEN. And, the same rules were in place in 2023 and 2022 had they gone for the 1st and 2nd anniversary, so they should have known the rules by now.

3 years was arbitrary. It was an election stunt meant to help Trump. But one that failed.

Why would it help Trump?

Going to give the question the benefit of the doubt that it is in good faith.

The plan of the Trump campaign was to show Trump with the Abbey Gate families, laying wreath, and claiming that Harris and Biden did not show up to the ceremony. Showing that Harris is callous and uncaring of the military.

Except of course, there was no ceremony, Harris and Biden were not invited but Trump was, and then they made a has of it by being disrespectful to the fallen buried near the graves, and breaking federal law by using the footage from it on their social media.

Citation?

You are claiming Trump planned the ceremony?

Where did you find that information?

One of the family members spoke at the RNC. It was totally political.

Trump DID NOT go to Arlington on the 1st anniversary of Abbey Gate.
Trump DID NOT go to Arlington on the 2nd anniversary of Abbey Gate.
Trump went to Arlington at the height of election season, 2 months before Election Day.

He didn't give a shit about the 1st or 2nd anniversary of Abbey Gate.

It. Was. Totally. Political. This cannot be disputed.

Citation that Trump was invited and didn’t attend the 1st or 2nd Anniversary Abbey Gate ceremonies at Arlington?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My question is, WHY was this being done NOW???

The Afghan withdrawal was in 2021. 3 years ago. THREE YEARS AGO.

There is one and only one reason why it was done NOW and that's because it was to try and boost Trump and to trash the Biden admin (and by extension Harris) BECAUSE IT'S ELECTION SEASON.

This was NOT an "official ceremony" and Biden wasn't informed, involved or anything.

All lies. A political stunt. And they abused one of our nation's most hallowed memorials to do it.

You are wrong.

It’s the 3rd anniversary of Abbey Gate.

That’s why it’s been 3 years- it’s the 3rd anniversary of the death of their children.

What made it an “official” ceremony? Who organized it at ANC or in the militar?

DP. Neither. It was not an official ceremony. Arlington National Cemetery did not organize it, the Department of Defense did not organize it. And, it only involved one family. An official ceremony would have been open to all of the Gold Star families who lost loved ones that day and typically would have additional elements such as color guard/honor guard, a military chaplain, and so on provided by DoD.

KRISTEN WELKER: All right. Let me ask you about another one of the big headlines this week: Donald Trump's visit to Arlington National Cemetery. You've been talking about this. He attended a wreath-laying ceremony, obviously, for the 13 service members who were killed during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He was invited by those family members, important to say that.

You are incorrect, the ceremony was for all 13 Service Members who died that day.

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2024/09/01/sen_tom_cotton_kamala_harris_conduct_has_been_disgraceful_to_abbey_gate_gold_star_families.html


House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) announced on Monday that the 13 service members killed in the Abbey Gate bombing will posthumously receive the Congressional Gold Medal on Sept. 10 in a ceremony at the Capitol.

The ceremony was for all 13 Families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm just joining now...

But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them.

Highly skeptical that you're "just joining now" (in fact, I think some of you are trolls and are sockpuppeting). I have a question for YOU: what is so special about this group of Gold Star families? Why should they be singled out for attention and not any other group of families of war dead?

OK, well, I guess you can ask Jeff to verify I haven't posted on this thread before if it matters to you.

I am not sure why you are answering a question with a question. My husband has served in combat under multiple administrations, and if he had been killed in combat, God forbid, I don't know if I would have been receptive to outreach from the CIC at the time - but I would certainly prefer it be proffered than not proffered. It is impossible to predict how families will react, which is why notification is such a tremendous duty, but it is the right thing to do to offer full ceremony, ritual and regard to Gold Star families. If it is rebuffed, it's rebuffed-but it seems a simple thing to do. I am wondering why it hasn't been done? It certainly is causing further division and pain.

I'm the PP you are responding to. I answered a question with a question because I STILL don't understand what is so special about this specific group of Gold Star families--given the enormity of loss represented at ANC. But I will try to answer your questions on the assumption that they are sincere. You asked: "But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them."

I can't speak for the Biden administration, but I'm assuming they're not reaching out to the families because it would be a damned if you do/damned if you don't situation. Since the incident occurred, it has become highly politicized and is a frequent line of attack against the Biden administration. Some of the relatives were openly hostile to Biden and criticized him publicly 3 years ago after Biden met with the families at Dover when the caskets were brought back. A subset of the families spoke at the recent RNC and, working with the Trump Campaign, have released a statement and videos which criticize Biden and Harris. The relatives are not looking for "comfort" from the Biden administration as you suggest. Some of them hold Biden personally culpable for their loved ones' deaths. You can be sure that if Biden met with them, even if privately, he would not be graciously received and every word of the interaction would be used against him. They've already made up their minds about what happened and who's at fault and there's nothing Biden or Harris can do or say to change that. Finally, Biden/Harris are not "just ignoring them"--the WH has said that B/H were not invited (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-harris-werent-invited-arlington-abbey-gate-trump-rcna169154).

Biden did meet with them though. Not all the families but I’m sure all would have been invited. They were unhappy with the meeting (they accused him of looking at his watch). But it most certainly happened.

He was wearing his dead son Beau's watch and Beau's rosary on his wrist and looked at it. Biden still blames Afghanistan service for his son's death due to cancer from proximity to toxic burn pits.

Beau was never in Afghanistan.

Beau Biden had multiple stints in Iraq. Biden doesn’t need to fake caring about military families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't believe people are still defending Trump here, trying to deflect or make excuses here.

NOTHING here excuses verbally and physically assaulting Arlington National Cemetery staff while merely trying to do their jobs on one of America's most hallowed grounds.

NOTHING.

As ever, the Cult of the GOP takes a sick delight in being perverse. Trump is a wretch. They love it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My question is, WHY was this being done NOW???

The Afghan withdrawal was in 2021. 3 years ago. THREE YEARS AGO.

There is one and only one reason why it was done NOW and that's because it was to try and boost Trump and to trash the Biden admin (and by extension Harris) BECAUSE IT'S ELECTION SEASON.

This was NOT an "official ceremony" and Biden wasn't informed, involved or anything.

All lies. A political stunt. And they abused one of our nation's most hallowed memorials to do it.

You are wrong.

It’s the 3rd anniversary of Abbey Gate.

That’s why it’s been 3 years- it’s the 3rd anniversary of the death of their children.

If so, did they also do this on the 1st and 2nd anniversary? I don't recall Trump going to Arlington for those. Because THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN THEN. And, the same rules were in place in 2023 and 2022 had they gone for the 1st and 2nd anniversary, so they should have known the rules by now.

3 years was arbitrary. It was an election stunt meant to help Trump. But one that failed.

Why would it help Trump?

I’m glad you asked. From August 19th-22nd, speakers at the DNC excoriated Trump for his treatment of military service. Many veterans spoke out against Trump and in support of Harris. It got a lot of media coverage.

Also on August 26th, this was reported:

General Larry Ellis, a retired four-star general who served in that rank under George W. Bush’s administration, is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in a letter exclusively obtained by ABC News.

This is the first time Ellis, who served as the commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command, has endorsed a presidential candidate, writing that “this is not a decision I take lightly, but one I believe necessary.”

And this was being covered as well:

More than 200 Republican staffers who previously worked for either former President George W. Bush, Sen. Mitt Romney, or the late Sen. John McCain also endorsed Harris in a letter Monday obtained by ABC News. The letter was first obtained by USA today.

The letter calls on moderate Republicans and conservative independents in key swing states who voted for President Biden in 2020 to vote for Harris in November.


Trump attended the wreath laying ceremony on August 26th, the very first week day after the DNC, when the press was gushing breathlessly about Harris, the size of her crowds, the enthusiasm of Democrats and the Harris campaign’s momentum. He was trying to capture headlines, look presidential, and rehabilitate his image.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm just joining now...

But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them.

Highly skeptical that you're "just joining now" (in fact, I think some of you are trolls and are sockpuppeting). I have a question for YOU: what is so special about this group of Gold Star families? Why should they be singled out for attention and not any other group of families of war dead?

OK, well, I guess you can ask Jeff to verify I haven't posted on this thread before if it matters to you.

I am not sure why you are answering a question with a question. My husband has served in combat under multiple administrations, and if he had been killed in combat, God forbid, I don't know if I would have been receptive to outreach from the CIC at the time - but I would certainly prefer it be proffered than not proffered. It is impossible to predict how families will react, which is why notification is such a tremendous duty, but it is the right thing to do to offer full ceremony, ritual and regard to Gold Star families. If it is rebuffed, it's rebuffed-but it seems a simple thing to do. I am wondering why it hasn't been done? It certainly is causing further division and pain.

I'm the PP you are responding to. I answered a question with a question because I STILL don't understand what is so special about this specific group of Gold Star families--given the enormity of loss represented at ANC. But I will try to answer your questions on the assumption that they are sincere. You asked: "But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them."

I can't speak for the Biden administration, but I'm assuming they're not reaching out to the families because it would be a damned if you do/damned if you don't situation. Since the incident occurred, it has become highly politicized and is a frequent line of attack against the Biden administration. Some of the relatives were openly hostile to Biden and criticized him publicly 3 years ago after Biden met with the families at Dover when the caskets were brought back. A subset of the families spoke at the recent RNC and, working with the Trump Campaign, have released a statement and videos which criticize Biden and Harris. The relatives are not looking for "comfort" from the Biden administration as you suggest. Some of them hold Biden personally culpable for their loved ones' deaths. You can be sure that if Biden met with them, even if privately, he would not be graciously received and every word of the interaction would be used against him. They've already made up their minds about what happened and who's at fault and there's nothing Biden or Harris can do or say to change that. Finally, Biden/Harris are not "just ignoring them"--the WH has said that B/H were not invited (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-harris-werent-invited-arlington-abbey-gate-trump-rcna169154).

Biden did meet with them though. Not all the families but I’m sure all would have been invited. They were unhappy with the meeting (they accused him of looking at his watch). But it most certainly happened.

He was wearing his dead son Beau's watch and Beau's rosary on his wrist and looked at it. Biden still blames Afghanistan service for his son's death due to cancer from proximity to toxic burn pits.

Louder for the awful people here. All these people saying terrible things about Biden supposedly in defense of military families COMPLETELY IGNORE the fact that he lost his son to cancer he likely got from burn pits while serving. Trump whiners are ignorant, cruel, and hypocritical . If they are so concerned about how military are treated, they wouldn’t be so disrespectful toward Biden.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My question is, WHY was this being done NOW???

The Afghan withdrawal was in 2021. 3 years ago. THREE YEARS AGO.

There is one and only one reason why it was done NOW and that's because it was to try and boost Trump and to trash the Biden admin (and by extension Harris) BECAUSE IT'S ELECTION SEASON.

This was NOT an "official ceremony" and Biden wasn't informed, involved or anything.

All lies. A political stunt. And they abused one of our nation's most hallowed memorials to do it.

You are wrong.

It’s the 3rd anniversary of Abbey Gate.

That’s why it’s been 3 years- it’s the 3rd anniversary of the death of their children.

What made it an “official” ceremony? Who organized it at ANC or in the militar?

DP. Neither. It was not an official ceremony. Arlington National Cemetery did not organize it, the Department of Defense did not organize it. And, it only involved one family. An official ceremony would have been open to all of the Gold Star families who lost loved ones that day and typically would have additional elements such as color guard/honor guard, a military chaplain, and so on provided by DoD.

Are you for real? The ceremony was for all the Abbey Gate Families.

Cite your sources.

Cite your source about WHO gazed this “official” ceremony. No one will do that so far, why? And are there official ceremonies for the anniversary of every death in section 60? If not why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm just joining now...

But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them.

Highly skeptical that you're "just joining now" (in fact, I think some of you are trolls and are sockpuppeting). I have a question for YOU: what is so special about this group of Gold Star families? Why should they be singled out for attention and not any other group of families of war dead?

OK, well, I guess you can ask Jeff to verify I haven't posted on this thread before if it matters to you.

I am not sure why you are answering a question with a question. My husband has served in combat under multiple administrations, and if he had been killed in combat, God forbid, I don't know if I would have been receptive to outreach from the CIC at the time - but I would certainly prefer it be proffered than not proffered. It is impossible to predict how families will react, which is why notification is such a tremendous duty, but it is the right thing to do to offer full ceremony, ritual and regard to Gold Star families. If it is rebuffed, it's rebuffed-but it seems a simple thing to do. I am wondering why it hasn't been done? It certainly is causing further division and pain.

I'm the PP you are responding to. I answered a question with a question because I STILL don't understand what is so special about this specific group of Gold Star families--given the enormity of loss represented at ANC. But I will try to answer your questions on the assumption that they are sincere. You asked: "But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them."

I can't speak for the Biden administration, but I'm assuming they're not reaching out to the families because it would be a damned if you do/damned if you don't situation. Since the incident occurred, it has become highly politicized and is a frequent line of attack against the Biden administration. Some of the relatives were openly hostile to Biden and criticized him publicly 3 years ago after Biden met with the families at Dover when the caskets were brought back. A subset of the families spoke at the recent RNC and, working with the Trump Campaign, have released a statement and videos which criticize Biden and Harris. The relatives are not looking for "comfort" from the Biden administration as you suggest. Some of them hold Biden personally culpable for their loved ones' deaths. You can be sure that if Biden met with them, even if privately, he would not be graciously received and every word of the interaction would be used against him. They've already made up their minds about what happened and who's at fault and there's nothing Biden or Harris can do or say to change that. Finally, Biden/Harris are not "just ignoring them"--the WH has said that B/H were not invited (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-harris-werent-invited-arlington-abbey-gate-trump-rcna169154).

Biden did meet with them though. Not all the families but I’m sure all would have been invited. They were unhappy with the meeting (they accused him of looking at his watch). But it most certainly happened.

He was wearing his dead son Beau's watch and Beau's rosary on his wrist and looked at it. Biden still blames Afghanistan service for his son's death due to cancer from proximity to toxic burn pits.

Louder for the awful people here. All these people saying terrible things about Biden supposedly in defense of military families COMPLETELY IGNORE the fact that he lost his son to cancer he likely got from burn pits while serving. Trump whiners are ignorant, cruel, and hypocritical . If they are so concerned about how military are treated, they wouldn’t be so disrespectful toward Biden.

Yep these MAGAS pretending to care about military families never admit that Biden is part of a military family. They are hypocrites.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm just joining now...

But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them.

Highly skeptical that you're "just joining now" (in fact, I think some of you are trolls and are sockpuppeting). I have a question for YOU: what is so special about this group of Gold Star families? Why should they be singled out for attention and not any other group of families of war dead?

OK, well, I guess you can ask Jeff to verify I haven't posted on this thread before if it matters to you.

I am not sure why you are answering a question with a question. My husband has served in combat under multiple administrations, and if he had been killed in combat, God forbid, I don't know if I would have been receptive to outreach from the CIC at the time - but I would certainly prefer it be proffered than not proffered. It is impossible to predict how families will react, which is why notification is such a tremendous duty, but it is the right thing to do to offer full ceremony, ritual and regard to Gold Star families. If it is rebuffed, it's rebuffed-but it seems a simple thing to do. I am wondering why it hasn't been done? It certainly is causing further division and pain.

I'm the PP you are responding to. I answered a question with a question because I STILL don't understand what is so special about this specific group of Gold Star families--given the enormity of loss represented at ANC. But I will try to answer your questions on the assumption that they are sincere. You asked: "But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them."

I can't speak for the Biden administration, but I'm assuming they're not reaching out to the families because it would be a damned if you do/damned if you don't situation. Since the incident occurred, it has become highly politicized and is a frequent line of attack against the Biden administration. Some of the relatives were openly hostile to Biden and criticized him publicly 3 years ago after Biden met with the families at Dover when the caskets were brought back. A subset of the families spoke at the recent RNC and, working with the Trump Campaign, have released a statement and videos which criticize Biden and Harris. The relatives are not looking for "comfort" from the Biden administration as you suggest. Some of them hold Biden personally culpable for their loved ones' deaths. You can be sure that if Biden met with them, even if privately, he would not be graciously received and every word of the interaction would be used against him. They've already made up their minds about what happened and who's at fault and there's nothing Biden or Harris can do or say to change that. Finally, Biden/Harris are not "just ignoring them"--the WH has said that B/H were not invited (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-harris-werent-invited-arlington-abbey-gate-trump-rcna169154).

Biden did meet with them though. Not all the families but I’m sure all would have been invited. They were unhappy with the meeting (they accused him of looking at his watch). But it most certainly happened.

He was wearing his dead son Beau's watch and Beau's rosary on his wrist and looked at it. Biden still blames Afghanistan service for his son's death due to cancer from proximity to toxic burn pits.

Boom.

My point PP, is it is better to take the 'damned if you do' high road, because it is the right thing to do. As you say, you are also 'damned if you don't'- so just do the right thing. Enough outreach so it is evident that your administration takes responsibility for both the event and the aftermath, and communicates an abiding sense of care. Seems simple to me. FWIW, I think Trump has a very mixed record with the military, some absolutely atrocious, and some good. Life isn't always black and white.

[Anonymous]

Why hasn’t Trump laid a wreath on the anniversary of the death of Wiliiam Ryan Owens? Do only some deaths count in his eyes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm just joining now...

But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them.

Highly skeptical that you're "just joining now" (in fact, I think some of you are trolls and are sockpuppeting). I have a question for YOU: what is so special about this group of Gold Star families? Why should they be singled out for attention and not any other group of families of war dead?

OK, well, I guess you can ask Jeff to verify I haven't posted on this thread before if it matters to you.

I am not sure why you are answering a question with a question. My husband has served in combat under multiple administrations, and if he had been killed in combat, God forbid, I don't know if I would have been receptive to outreach from the CIC at the time - but I would certainly prefer it be proffered than not proffered. It is impossible to predict how families will react, which is why notification is such a tremendous duty, but it is the right thing to do to offer full ceremony, ritual and regard to Gold Star families. If it is rebuffed, it's rebuffed-but it seems a simple thing to do. I am wondering why it hasn't been done? It certainly is causing further division and pain.

I'm the PP you are responding to. I answered a question with a question because I STILL don't understand what is so special about this specific group of Gold Star families--given the enormity of loss represented at ANC. But I will try to answer your questions on the assumption that they are sincere. You asked: "But why haven't the Biden/Harris Admin reached out more to the Gold Star Families of the Afghanistan withdrawal? Yes, I'm sure they would face ire--but it could be private meetings. The anguish of these families ... it seems a simple thing to 'do the right thing' and acknowledge and offer comfort, even if rejected. I don't really understand why they are just ignoring them."

I can't speak for the Biden administration, but I'm assuming they're not reaching out to the families because it would be a damned if you do/damned if you don't situation. Since the incident occurred, it has become highly politicized and is a frequent line of attack against the Biden administration. Some of the relatives were openly hostile to Biden and criticized him publicly 3 years ago after Biden met with the families at Dover when the caskets were brought back. A subset of the families spoke at the recent RNC and, working with the Trump Campaign, have released a statement and videos which criticize Biden and Harris. The relatives are not looking for "comfort" from the Biden administration as you suggest. Some of them hold Biden personally culpable for their loved ones' deaths. You can be sure that if Biden met with them, even if privately, he would not be graciously received and every word of the interaction would be used against him. They've already made up their minds about what happened and who's at fault and there's nothing Biden or Harris can do or say to change that. Finally, Biden/Harris are not "just ignoring them"--the WH has said that B/H were not invited (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-harris-werent-invited-arlington-abbey-gate-trump-rcna169154).

Biden did meet with them though. Not all the families but I’m sure all would have been invited. They were unhappy with the meeting (they accused him of looking at his watch). But it most certainly happened.

He was wearing his dead son Beau's watch and Beau's rosary on his wrist and looked at it. Biden still blames Afghanistan service for his son's death due to cancer from proximity to toxic burn pits.

Louder for the awful people here. All these people saying terrible things about Biden supposedly in defense of military families COMPLETELY IGNORE the fact that he lost his son to cancer he likely got from burn pits while serving. Trump whiners are ignorant, cruel, and hypocritical . If they are so concerned about how military are treated, they wouldn’t be so disrespectful toward Biden.

Yep these MAGAS pretending to care about military families never admit that Biden is part of a military family. They are hypocrites.

It’s infuriating to see them treat one of their own so badly. And all because dishonest politicians and news outlets have manipulated them so easily.