Gold Star Families Voice Concerns Over Silence from Biden, Harris

Gold Star families criticize Biden and Harris for neglecting their fallen heroes three years after the Kabul airport attack.

At a Glance

Gold Star families express anger over lack of contact from Biden-Harris administration
13 U.S. service members killed in Kabul airport attack remain unacknowledged by White House
Former President Trump participates in wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery
House Speaker announces posthumous Congressional Gold Medal presentation for fallen service members

Gold Star Families Voice Their Frustration

Three years after the devastating Kabul airport attack that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members, Gold Star families are speaking out against the Biden-Harris administration’s apparent disregard for their loved ones’ sacrifices. The families express deep disappointment and anger over the lack of communication and acknowledgment from the highest offices in the country, compounding their grief and sense of neglect.

Mark Schmitz, father of fallen Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, voiced his frustration on “Fox & Friends,” stating, “She owns this as much as he [Biden] does. She’s following in the policies that Joe Biden has ushered in during his presidency, and obviously, neither one of them know what the heck they’re doing. And that terrifies me, because we know we can’t bring our kids back.” This sentiment echoes the pain felt by many Gold Star families who feel abandoned by their nation’s leaders.

Trump’s Tribute and Political Implications

In stark contrast to the administration’s perceived inaction, former President Donald Trump participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to mark the third anniversary of the attack. Trump used the opportunity to criticize the current administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, calling it “botched” and “embarrassing.”

“Caused by Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, the humiliation in Afghanistan set off the collapse of American credibility and respect all around the world,” Trump stated, adding, “We will honor their memory by restoring a government that puts the American people first.”

The political implications of this issue are becoming increasingly apparent as the 2024 election approaches. Former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, endorsed Trump at the National Guard Association’s annual conference in Michigan, further highlighting the divide between the current administration and military families.

Administration’s Response and Ongoing Criticism

While the White House has released statements honoring the fallen service members, Gold Star families argue that these gestures fall short of meaningful outreach. Vice President Harris defended the decision to end the war in Afghanistan but has faced criticism for her role in the withdrawal process.

“Today, our longest war is over. But our commitment to preventing attacks on our homeland—or our people—never will be. We will continue to disrupt terrorist activity, wherever we find it. We will continue to deliver justice to terrorists who plot against America—just as we have over the last three years with the leader of al-Qaeda and the global leader of ISIS. And we will do so without deploying thousands of American troops to ground wars overseas,” from a statement from President Biden on the anniversary of Kabul withdrawal.

Despite these assurances, Republicans continue to slam the administration for its handling of the situation. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called Harris’s admission of being “the last person in the room” during the withdrawal decision “morally abhorrent,” demanding a full answer on her role in what he termed a “disaster.”

Honoring the Fallen

As the debate continues, efforts are being made to honor the 13 service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the posthumous presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to these heroes on September 10. This gesture, while appreciated, does little to ease the pain of families who feel their loss has been overlooked by those in power.

“Joe Biden has refused to recognize their sacrifice,” Christy Shamblin, the mother-in-law of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, told the crowd. “Donald Trump knew all of our children’s names. He knew all of their stories.”

As the nation reflects on the tragic events of three years ago, the voices of Gold Star families serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The ongoing controversy surrounding the administration’s response to these families highlights the complex and emotional nature of war’s aftermath and the responsibilities of leadership in times of national loss.