Gold Star Mother Laments Trump’s Comments About the Fallen

Recently, I was traumatized by former President Donald Trump, and it wasn’t the first time. My son, Marine LCpl Benjamin Whetstone Schmidt, a proud scout sniper, was killed in Afghanistan on October 6, 2011, almost 12 years ago, becoming a war hero and breaking our hearts. Benjamin’s family members are now part of a group no one wants to be in — Gold Star Families. During World War I, families of fallen war heroes began wearing black armbands with a gold star on them, hanging banners and flags with a gold star in their windows and yards, and ever since, family members of fallen heroes have been referred to as a Gold Star Family. One of the loveliest things about being a Gold Star Mother is the warm embrace from so many from all across America. We receive cards, coins, blankets, medals, banners, flags, and more, all from private citizens who never met us but who care. Most of the American public respects and honors what we have been through and seems to understand our devastating loss and the sacrifice it is, not only for us but for the friends and soldiers themselves. The loving support and continued honoring acts we receive over the years help our hearts. Kindness helps.

And then, for the first time in anyone’s memory, a dark cloud descends on those of us who sacrificed. And it arrived in the form of the former President, Mr. Trump. People tend to report widely the crazy things this man says. Most I can brush off. But every few months, Mr. Trump is quoted saying denigrating things about America’s precious heroes who lost their lives and U.S. service members who were wounded or captured. This is from a man who, after his divorce from his former wife, Ivana, saw his three young children once a week and never took care of them himself. This has never happened before by a United States President, past or present. In fact, it’s been unimaginable. Since the rumors and stories about things Mr. Trump says have been leaked, my heart gets ripped open repeatedly. I can’t unhear it, and each time, I am propelled backward to my original pain and rage. I have met my son’s buddies who survived, all disabled in some way, some amputees, deaf, limping, gut pain, PTSD, and more deeply thoughtful, incredible men you will…