On the three-year anniversary of the tragic Abbey Gate terror attack in Kabul, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris issued a press release honoring the 13 American servicemembers who were killed. Their statement paid tribute to the fallen heroes and acknowledged the pain and loss felt by their families. They also reflected on the service of all who participated in America’s longest war, emphasizing the Administration’s commitment to continuing to protect the American people.
However, Biden and Harris did not attend the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Instead, former President Donald Trump presided over the service after the families of the fallen and injured reportedly expressed a preference for his presence, citing their belief that the current administration bore responsibility for the attack.
“Today and everyday, I mourn and honor them. My prayers are with their families and loved ones. My heart breaks for their pain and their loss. These 13 devoted patriots represent the best of America, putting our beloved nation and their fellow Americans above themselves and deploying into danger to keep their fellow citizens safe,” Biden said.
However he did not do it in person at a service held at Arlington National Cemetery this morning.
The families’ choice to have Trump lead the ceremony highlights ongoing tensions and unresolved grief connected to the end of the war in Afghanistan and the tragic events of that day. While the press release from Biden and Harris aimed to convey respect and remembrance, the absence of the current leadership at the ceremony underscores the deep divisions and emotions that remain within the military community and the nation as a whole.
Despite the fiasco that ensued, Biden claimed victory in ending America’s war in Afghanistan, despite the high cost of life in doing so without proper planning and leaving behind billions of dollars of equipment. That equipment is now in the hands of the army of the Taliban.
“As I have said, President Biden made the courageous and right decision to end America’s longest war. Over the past three years, our Administration has demonstrated we can still eliminate terrorists, including the leaders of al-Qaeda and ISIS, without troops deployed into combat zones. I will never hesitate to take whatever action necessary to counter terrorist threats and protect the American people and the homeland,” Biden said.
