“I don’t get it. What was in it for them?”
That was the flippant question allegedly posed by President Donald J. Trump while he accompanied Gen. John Kelly to Arlington National Cemetery to honor Kelly’s son, Marine First Lt. Robert M. Kelly, who died during combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
The answer: selfless duty to defend our republic. This is what is “in it” for those of us who serve and have served.
This altruistic spirit arrives to young men and women through a patriotic desire to be a part of something greater than themselves, to go when and where called upon to safeguard our country.
As a retired Marine officer, I am not surprised by the president’s tasteless, ham-handed comments as our country has witnessed such uncouth utterances for nearly four years. Also recognizable is his lack of courage to do anything beyond what benefits him first and foremost. What is most appalling is the disdain and disrespect he hurled against the father who suffered such great loss, Gen. Kelly, who deserves none of this president’s spewed vile and hateful commentary regarding his performance as the president’s chief of staff.
Mr. President, you are wrong, and your characterizations of Gen. Kelly are repulsive. I would ask, “Have you no shame sir?” but the answer is clear: You do not.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Mr. President, you’re wrong
Mon, Sep 14, 2020 (2 a.m.)