The third anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members, saw a stark contrast in how former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, chose to commemorate the tragedy. While Trump actively participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, joining the families of the fallen soldiers, Harris issued a statement but did not attend any public memorials.
Trump, who has consistently criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal, made a point of honoring the service members and their families, engaging in a solemn ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He was seen listening to taps, laying the wreath, and meeting with the family members. In a Truth Social post, Trump called the withdrawal “the most embarrassing moment in the history of our Country,” emphasizing the loss of life, the wounded, and the billions of dollars in military equipment left behind.
Meanwhile, Harris released a statement early Monday morning, paying tribute to the 13 fallen service members and calling on Americans to honor their sacrifice. She expressed her condolences to their families, highlighting the patriotism and selflessness of those who lost their lives. However, she notably did not address the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the withdrawal, a controversial event that has been widely criticized for its chaotic execution and the resulting loss of American lives.
Harris’s absence from public commemorations stands in stark contrast to Trump’s active engagement. Her statement focused on honoring the fallen soldiers, but it notably omitted any mention of the botched withdrawal, a key issue in the ongoing presidential race. This silence, in light of Trump’s vocal criticism and direct engagement with the families, further highlights the differing approaches of the two presidential candidates in addressing the legacy of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
The families of the fallen soldiers have also been critical of the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal. Cheryl Juels, the aunt of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, who was killed in the bombing, spoke at the Republican National Convention, calling on President Biden to apologize to the families for the loss of their loved ones. The event at Arlington National Cemetery, with Trump’s presence and the families’ continued calls for accountability, underscores the lingering pain and frustration surrounding the withdrawal, as well as the ongoing debate over its handling and its impact on the families of those who lost their lives.
