President Trump laid a wreath at Arlington and people had a problem with it
President Trump on Monday laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — hours after tweeting that service members killed in action would be “happy” with the way he was running the country — and people aren’t happy about it.
During the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, a bugler played “Taps” as the wreath was laid and before the president delivered a traditional address.
“We are gathered here on the sacred soil of Arlington National Cemetery to honor the lives and deeds of America’s greatest heroes, the men and women who laid down their lives for our freedom,” he said.
The president attended a military school, the New York Military Academy, but he never served in the military and got several deferments during the Vietnam War, including one for bone spurs. None of his children have served in the military.
Presidents who didn’t serve in the military — particularly those who are seen as having dodged the draft — always get blowback from service members and others around Memorial Day, but the rise of social media in the past 10 years has made complaints much more public.
People on Twitter had jokes about the bone spurs, of course.
Today Donald Trump is flying his bone spurs at half mast.
— Frank Conniff (@FrankConniff) May 28, 2018
Glad his bone spurs weren’t acting up too much. https://t.co/WAzEE3S5q2
— Caissie St.Onge (@Caissie) May 28, 2018
Others just seemed angry.
Absolutely refused to watch five time draft dodger #CadetBoneSpurs @realDonaldTrump “honor” our Fallen! What is he doing for our VETERANS?!
Did that HYPOCRITE practice that fvcking FAKE face all morning?— Arsenal Gooner! (@gma_27) May 28, 2018
Is this a joke ? #CadetBoneSpurs has disrespected our Gold Star Families on numerous occasions ! Wow. Maybe he should apologize before he pretends he cares ?
— JustSusan (@TassajaraRd) May 28, 2018
@realDonaldTrump – It is disgraceful for President Bone Spurs to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery. He prefers soldiers who didn’t get caught so it’s safe to say he prefers soldiers who didn’t die for their country (who got a doctor’s note about bone spurs instead)! pic.twitter.com/KFXJuPbfy4
— Beast Endeavors (@BeastEndeavors) May 28, 2018
Some people remembered family members who served.
As the daughter of WWII vet, wife of Vietnam vet, I find it repugnant for Trump to be at Arlington. His lies, hate & bigotry defile sacred ground as he diminishes their sacrifice by his presence. He is the enemy of freedom.
— Sandy (@mo4five) May 28, 2018
Others suggested people in the administration who might have been better suited to lay the wreath.
John Kelly should've Placed The Wreath, instead of OUR COWARD AND CHIEF TRUMP. 45 had Doctors Notes Four Times to avoid VIETNAM..It's MORE Of A Dishonor To See A Coward in Arlington National Cemetery. Trump Took A KNEE 4 Times to avoid VIETNAM..
— Tony Jackson (@purpheart87) May 28, 2018
One person opined that the president would rather be golfing.
All FAKE! Nothing to see here but a photo op! Make no mistake, people. He’s inconvenienced by this day. He’d rather be golfing. #sad #FakePresident #LiarInChief #CadetBoneSpurs
— Robert H ️ (@RHSanDiego) May 28, 2018
Many referenced the hashtag #cadetbonespurs.
My mother's ancestors fought in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. I doubt they would be proud to see your corrupt administration in charge of this country. #DraftDodger #CadetBoneSpurs
— Mauigirl52Resist! (@Mauigirl52) May 28, 2018
The hashtag refers to the moniker for Trump created by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who lost both legs in combat, after Trump called Democrats who did not applaud his State of the Union address “treasonous.”
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