Hello everyone. It’s been three years since the tragic bombing at Abbey Gate during the Afghanistan withdrawal, a moment that continues to weigh heavily on the hearts of many, especially the Gold Star families who lost their loved ones in that deadly attack.
The bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport claimed the lives of 13 brave U.S. service members, including Marines, a Navy sailor, and an Army soldier. It also injured 18 other American service members and killed over 150 civilians.
This week, the grief and frustration of these families were once again brought to light. They gathered on a call with GOP Vice Presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, the Trump campaign, and reporters, expressing their deep disappointment in President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. According to these families, neither Biden nor Harris has ever reached out to them since the attack. This silence has left many feeling abandoned by the very leaders they hoped would offer support during their darkest hours.
BREAKING: Kamala Harris and Joe Biden skip Arlington Memorial Ceremony for the 13 troopers who died in Afghanistan on the 3rd anniversary
Only 1 former president showed up
His name is Donald Trump pic.twitter.com/x1msiHjWjO
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) August 26, 2024
Gold Star father Mark Schmitz, who lost his 20-year-old son, Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz spoke candidly about his feelings, stating, “I think this administration has shown they have treated the Afghanistan withdrawal like the plague – they’ve stayed as far away from it as they possibly can.” His words reflect a sentiment of betrayal and hurt shared by others on the call.
On Monday, former President Trump held a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to honor the 13 fallen service members. His presence was appreciated by many of the families, who felt that his gesture was genuine and sincere. Gold Star Aunt Cheryl Juels, who lost her niece, Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole Gee echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Trump has consistently reached out to the families, showing them respect and dignity.
🚨 NEW: The families of the 13 soldiers k*lled in Kabul did NOT invite Biden or Harris to the ceremony at Arlington
They only invited President Trump. That should tell you ALL you need to know.
Biden and Harris have been IGNORING and DISRESPECTING these families for years now,… pic.twitter.com/WEjh8Om21Z
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 26, 2024
The emotional weight of this anniversary and the feelings of neglect from the current administration have only deepened the resolve of some families to see Trump return to office. Juels expressed her unwavering support, saying, “We will do whatever we can to get him back into office so that we can keep the men and women serving this country safe again.”
As we reflect on this solemn occasion, it’s clear that for these families, the pain of loss is compounded by a sense of being forgotten by those in power. Their voices serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing impact of the events in Afghanistan and the importance of leadership that stands by its service members and their families in times of need.
