MarlonBateman
@MarlonBateman
Last week, I had the honor to accompany several Gold Star parents to meet with President Trump in Bedminster. These parents lost their children when Abbey Gate was bombed in the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, which was orchestrated by Joe Biden.
While Biden continues to ignore these families’ requests for answers, President Trump listened to them, he mourned with them, and he was genuinely devastated for their loss. But he also mourned for the Country’s loss of these amazing Americans.
One hour came and went quicker than anticipated. Our time with the President was up — or so I thought. Many families had requested President Trump sign photographs of their sons and daughters. He then proceeded to spend nearly two hours signing hats, books, and even a pair of red, white, and blue bedazzled pair of high heel shoes! He spent time with each individual family celebrating and learning about our 13 brave American heroes.
After each family was done they were escorted upstairs to dinner. We did not expect President Trump to join us, but to my surprise, he came up and joined us for dinner. Everyone erupted in cheers as he walked in. Lee Greenwood's 'God Bless The U.S.A' was blaring on the speakers. He proceeded to spend another couple of hours with us and even busted out an iPad to play songs for couples to slow dance to. He even went into his all-time favorite wrestling intros! At that moment I could see the anxiety, stress, and anger that these parents had carried for so long disappear from their faces. It was a moment of peace. They were there to celebrate the heroes they raised. Their babies grew up to be the best our country had to offer, and they were getting some of the recognition they deserved.
As the night ended and President Trump gave his farewell, tears and overwhelming emotions could not be held back. He did something for these families that the current administration has refused to do, and was incapable of doing — giving an overdue moment of recognition and solidarity for their children. Not a bullshit statement from the White House, not John Kirby sending his deepest condolences on CNN, not Joe Biden continually glancing at his watch while the bodies of their children were carried off the tarmac. He gave them hope that accountability and justice will be coming. Our country owes it to their children to continue the pursuit for truth and accountability. We must continue to tell their stories and say their names.
Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25
Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23
Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31
Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22
Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23
Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22
Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20
Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20
Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20
Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20
Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20
Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, 22
Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23
https://twitter.com/MarlonBateman/status/1699138530117837308
