Reason #49: Disrespect
Rather than write a reason to not vote for Donald Trump tonight, I will share (below) a post submitted to Facebook from a former colleague of mine, Frances J. Thomas, with her request that it be shared. It illustrates yet another example of bad behavior by our ex-president.
Fred Grannis
“My brother, Anthony M Evans a Vietnam War Veteran is interned at Arlington National Cemetery and has been since 8 April 2020 to the care and protection provided by the US Army of the grave sites. He knew that his site would be taken care of forever even after his family had died. The Hallowed Grounds honor every veteran and their families, relatives, and visitors. Arlington National Cemetery has strict rules (32 CFR 553-Part 553-ARMY) including a proper dress code that shows respect, and unacceptable unruly activity such as running, climbing or sports activity. Walking on the graves at the cemetery is disrespectful. The standard of conduct is clearly defined and required of all visitors. Photography is conducted with respect vigilantly and with permission of family members. Last week 26 August 2024 the anniversary of the killing of 13 American servicemembers in Afghanistan withdrawal of troops. The peace of Arlington Cemetery was disrupted on that day last week by the former President, including another politician the Gov. of Utah who is also seeking re-election and funding. They used their presence to politicize and document this visit and to video a grave site of a veteran including someone’s headstone whose family had not given permission. During this time a video was produced by a filming crew and subsequently placed on TikTok. His actions are irredeemable, malicious, corrupt and demonstrated total disrespect, rudeness, insensitivity, for every veteran interned in Arlington. Promoting and campaigning for his return to the President’s office. Politics and TikTok do not belong at Arlington Cemetery or any other National Cemetery in the United States to promote an election. To stimulate questions concerning the action of a particular response taken by the two administrations when attempting to end a war. The result of the action taken during the withdrawal of Afghanistan is being used as propaganda for a re-election as a way to exonerate Trump from being part of the action taken in Afghanistan. The actions taken in Afghanistan involved two administrations. Trump patronized a family of a killed soldier to gain news and attention during the re-election and campaigning leading up to return to the President’s office. It has taken Trump Three (3) years to contact or befriend this family. He broadcasted political ads on network TV including a veteran not part of the 13 Americans killed in Afghanistan. Disrespect to one veteran has shown his feelings for all veterans which he has done continuously.
I am angry and disappointed that a President would use such low tactics to desecrate the graves of our military and my brother, and all of the veterans located at Arlington Cemetery. Let the veterans rest in peace and the tranquility return to Arlington National Cemetery and other National Cemeteries.
Hopefully never repeat any politician campaigning with Camera Crews in Arlington Cemetery again.”
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