1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my profound disappointment and concern regarding President Donald Trump’s recent decision to forgo attending the dignified transfer ceremony of four U.S. soldiers who tragically lost their lives during a training exercise in Lithuania. Instead of honoring these fallen heroes at Dover Air Force Base, the President chose to spend the weekend attending a Saudi-funded LIV Golf event at his Doral Golf Course and hosting a fundraising dinner at his Mar-a-Lago resort. The soldiers—Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, and Pfc. Dante D. Taitano—were honored in Lithuania with a solemn ceremony attended by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and U.S. Ambassador Kara C. McDonald.  It is deeply troubling that our own Commander-in-Chief did not deem it necessary to be present for their return to American soil. This decision has understandably drawn sharp criticism from veterans and military families. As Blythe Potter, an Iraq War veteran, stated, “I have never been so embarrassed to be an American… Donald Trump is completely disrespecting four of my brothers in arms to play golf.”  Such sentiments reflect a broader discontent among those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. The role of the President as Commander-in-Chief carries with it the solemn duty to honor and respect the sacrifices of our service members. I urge you, Senators Scott & Moody to address this matter and seek assurances that future dignified transfers receive the attention and respect they rightfully deserve from our nation’s leaders. Our service members and their families deserve no less. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.