On March 17, 2017, my sisters and I buried our father at Arlington National Cemetery. Our father served in the United States Air Force for 33 years. He was buried with full military honors.

As we followed the procession from the chapel to the graveside, I witnessed a female tourist stop as the horse drawn caisson rode by. She stopped, turned toward the procession and placed her hand over her heart. This image will be forever etched into my memory – a solitary American stopping to honor a person who served their country.

Recently, former President Donald Trump went to Arlington with his team to supposedly honor fallen service men. The visit was a campaign stop. Nothing more, nothing less. Arlington National Cemetery has very clear and strict rules of conduct. Trump’s team chose to disregard these.

Using Arlington as a photo shoot for political optics is abhorrent. In 2015, during Trump’s last campaign, he stated about former Sen. John McCain, “He’s not a hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.” McCain was shot down over Vietnam, captured and tortured. He spent 5 1/2 years in captivity with his men.

Trump is a person who lacks integrity. He took an oath to the Constitution and reneged on that oath. He does not support our troops or cherish those who have fallen. Arlington is hallowed ground. For those citizens who have not seen it, find the opportunity. Once you see the acres of white stones, you cannot help but know the sacrifice our men and women gave to their country – a sacrifice for all of us to remain free.

Ellen Moran

Hancock