Opinion: Sen. Vance, should we ‘go to hell’ too?

As a retired Air Force general officer and judge advocate who was responsible for the administration of military justice, I’ve seen firsthand the critical importance of integrity, respect and honor in our armed forces. These values are not just abstract ideals; they are the foundation of military good order and discipline.

Nowhere are these principles more compelling and on display than at Arlington National Cemetery — a sacred place where the ultimate sacrifices of our nation’s heroes are honored. This hallowed ground demands the highest level of reverence and respect. It should not be a venue for political theater or self-promotion.

Former President Donald Trump has once again shown a disturbing disregard for these principles. His recent exploitation of Arlington to launch political attacks on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris was not just inappropriate — it was a profound violation of the respect owed to the men and women who rest there. These fallen heroes, who gave their lives in service to our country, deserve more than to be used as props in a political campaign.

Making matters worse, Trump’s aides allegedly verbally abused and physically pushed aside an Arlington National Cemetery official who attempted to stop them from turning the solemn memorial into a political spectacle. Such an assault on an official whose duty is to maintain Arlington’s solemnity and dignity is not just disrespectful, it’s an affront to the values the cemetery represents.

Among the greatest honors of my military career were the occasions when I presented the American flag to a fallen airman’s family. The reverence with which the chaplain, honor guard and presiding official conduct graveside services is our nation’s final salute to our fallen comrades.

The men and women who rest at Arlington fought for ideals far greater than any political campaign. Instead of reminding us that their sacrifices should unite us as a nation, Trump chose to further divide our country by using their memory as a tool in his ongoing political battles.

In the military, we hold our leaders to the highest standards; even the appearance of impropriety is unacceptable. What took place at Arlington went far beyond impropriety — it was a blatant act of desecration.

One of the most troubling aspects of Trump’s behavior at Arlington is his apparent lack of understanding of — or worse, his indifference to — its sanctity.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Trump’s history of disrespect toward those who have served is well documented. From mocking Sen. John McCain, a decorated war hero, to reportedly referring to fallen soldiers as “losers” and “suckers,” Trump has repeatedly shown a disregard for the true meaning of service and sacrifice. His actions at Arlington are consistent with this pattern and continue to demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of what it means to be our commander-in-chief: to lead and honor those who have given or have sworn to give everything for our country.

Trump’s disrespect for the memory of every service member buried at Arlington was not just a political misstep — it was a moral failure and, as Americans, we must reject it. Rather than rejecting it, though, his running mate doubled down. In response to a reporter’s question about the incident, and apparently believing Harris had criticized it when she had not, Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), told her to “go to hell.”

Well, senator, I and many of our fellow veterans are indeed criticizing it. So, I ask you, should we also go to hell?

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Steven J. Lepper served for 35 years as an Air Force judge advocate.

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