As a soldier for a quarter of a century, I was appalled at President Trump's speech at Fort Bragg. An inspirational military ceremony was instead partisan political theater.
Worse than that was the behavior of soldiers. There was jeering at the names of elected political leaders; laughter at diversity and equity in the Army; and booing at President Biden and the media. The appropriate response should have been respectful silence.
What message does this send to our soldiers that the leadership permits this to happen? More seriously, what message does this send Americans when this looked like just another political rally, this time cheered on by the Army?
The reputation of the Army in California, after the January fires is sterling. Fort Bragg's soldiers have severely tarnished that image.
Five years ago General Milley was similarly used in a political photo op at the White House. He immediately regretted this staged event and publicly apologized for it. Will the leadership at Fort Bragg have the same courage?
Peter Huisking
Sierra Vista
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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