Trump Campaign Filming at Arlington Cemetery Dismayed Family of Green Beret
The Trump campaign has come under fire recently for filming a political advertisement at Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of thousands of American soldiers, including the family of a Green Beret who was dismayed by the disrespectful act.
The advertisement, which featured President Trump and various military veterans, was filmed at the cemetery without the permission of the families or the cemetery officials. The family of Green Beret Sgt. Johnathan VanNess, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013, expressed their outrage at the campaign’s use of the sacred grounds for political gain.
In a statement, VanNess’s father, Stewart VanNess, said, “It is utterly disappointing that anyone would allow this kind of egotistical behavior to happen, and it shows a complete lack of respect for the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform.”
Arlington National Cemetery is a place of solemn remembrance and reverence for those who have served and sacrificed for their country. It is a place where families come to grieve and honor their loved ones, not a backdrop for political propaganda.
The Trump campaign has since apologized for the incident, stating that they had not intended to cause any offense and that they regret the oversight. However, the damage has already been done, with many families and veterans expressing their outrage and disappointment at the campaign’s insensitivity.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting the sacrifices of our military heroes and the sanctity of places like Arlington National Cemetery. It is a disgrace that such a sacred place would be used for political purposes, and those responsible should be held accountable for their actions.
In the words of Stewart VanNess, “Let my son rest in peace, and let all the fallen heroes rest in peace. They deserve our utmost respect, not exploitation for political gain.”