By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
Nineteen veterans’ groups on Monday went on record condemning the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and entreated Americans of all persuasions to keep violence out of politics.
In part, their statement reads as follows:
Our fellow Americans often look to our community to provide leadership and to set politics aside, because of our commitment to our Constitution and culture of putting service to the nation first, the statement reads. We have a clear and universal message to our fellow Americans – violence has no place in American politics. A fundamental tenet of American democracy is to settle our differences at the ballot box.
The groups that signed onto the statement included: We the Veterans, AmVets, Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Military Family Association, Student Veterans of America, Blue Star Families, More Perfect Union, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Mission Roll Call, Combined Arms, Military Veterans In Journalism, Military Family Advisory Network, Veterans for All Voters, National Security Leaders for America, The Chamberlain Network, Disabled Veteran Empowerment Network, Millions of Conversations, Vet Voice Foundation and VetsForward.
The group said further:
Regardless of individual politics, an attack on any candidate for office, elected official or election official is an attack on all of us. It is an attack on the system of self-government that our men and women in uniform have served and sacrificed to protect.
Calling for calm is almost always a good idea, and if I were a vet, I would sign on, too. President Biden called the attack sick, and I appreciated the fact that President Biden and President Trump have apparently chatted with warmth and support regarding the tragedy that took a life and could have taken two.
World leaders have weighed in, and there have been statements of support from our allies and those who could perhaps be more accurately described as our enemies that have expressed concern for Donald Trump, and only God knows their hearts. I would like to believe that because as heads of state they themselves live with the daily reminder that their enemies would like to take them out as well, they mean what they say when they express condolences.
However, my desire here is honor the role of soldiers in keeping chaos at bay irrespective of their political beliefs. I experienced something while I was in Iraq now these 20 years ago that changed me forever. It was the resolve that our soldiers were willing to die so that people they had never met could have the opportunity to experience the democratic process. They protected Iraqis in three elections when bullies had promised a bloodbath to any and all who showed up at the polls, and I will never forget that.
My relief is that not only Donald Trump dodged a bullet, but that at least for now, our nation “dodged a bullet” as well. May it be that we never have to call on our soldiers to protect us while we vote. I believe
with all my heart that they would if they had to, and I am grateful that the ones who are trained to create chaos that results in victory are, in fact, calling for calm. May we all follow suit.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
October 18, 2024
