NSL4A Responds to Former President Trump Campaigning at Arlington National Cemetery
Released August 28, 2024
Trump Continues to Trample the Honor of Service Members by Holding a Political Event at a National Burial Ground for Our Fallen
Washington, DC In violation of federal law, former President Trump held a campaign event at Arlington National Cemetery. This intentional and flagrant breach of statute and protocol continues to demonstrate Donald Trump’s utter disrespect for the military and veterans, especially those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
“Many of my brothers and sisters in arms are buried in Section 60, a solemn reminder of the recent sacrifices made by our youngest fallen heroes and their families,” said Melissa Bryant, NSL4A member and Iraq War veteran. Adding, “This campaign event shows that the former President lacks empathy and understanding of how this egregious intrusion insults all Gold Star families—like mine, who lost my grandfather in World War Two— mourning their loved ones lost in combat.”
"We are saddened but not shocked that Donald Trump continues to trample on the honor of our service members by hosting a political campaign activity at an Army National Military Cemetery — which is clearly prohibited by federal law,” said Retired Navy Rear Admiral Michael Smith, Founder and President of National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A), adding, "Our nation’s cemeteries are solemn grounds ⸺ the final resting place for our fallen heroes. Yet, Donald Trump sees them as merely backdrops for political purposes and uses the tombstones of service members killed in action as props.”
