Gold Star mom Jaclyn Schmitz has spoken out against the Biden-Harris administration, accusing the president and vice president of neglecting to honor the sacrifices made by her and other families of fallen service members.

Schmitz, along with other Gold Star parents, invited the administration to attend a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to commemorate their deceased children, but the administration declined the invitation, sparking outrage and charges of disrespect among the affected families, as Fox News reports.

The memorial, held in honor of 13 U.S. service members who were killed during the Aug. 26, 2021, terrorist attack at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan, was intended to be a solemn tribute to the fallen heroes.

Trump's Arlington Visit Sparks Controversy

Adding to the tension surrounding the memorial, former President Donald Trump made a visit to Arlington National Cemetery during which he paid tribute to the 13 fallen service members. The visit was not without controversy, as media reports from NPR and the Associated Press suggested that Trump’s campaign photographer recorded footage in a restricted area, and a cemetery staff member was reportedly pushed aside.

Schmitz expressed anger over the situation, stating that while Trump’s visit was being politicized, it was the families who had invited him. She emphasized that the invitation was extended to both Trump and the Biden-Harris administration, yet only Trump attended the event.

Schmitz Criticizes Biden's Lack of Response

Schmitz’s criticism of the administration did not stop at the Arlington memorial. She also revealed that in the three years since her son’s death, she has not been contacted by either Biden or Harris. According to Schmitz, neither has acknowledged the deaths of the service members who lost their lives during the Kabul attack, which occurred on Biden’s watch.

“We have never heard from either one of them,” Schmitz said, expressing her frustration. “Ever. In the entire three years since our kids were killed by their administration.”

Gold Star Families Left Feeling Neglected

Schmitz’s disappointment with the administration reflects a broader sentiment among some Gold Star families, who feel their sacrifices have been overlooked. The memorial at Arlington was meant to offer a chance for the nation’s leaders to publicly acknowledge the loss of these service members and to show support for the families who continue to mourn.

For Schmitz, the absence of Biden and Harris at the event was particularly painful. She described it as a “slap in the face,” adding that the administration’s decision not to attend felt like an insult to the families who had extended the invitation.

Biden's Debate Comments Reignite Tensions

Further deepening Schmitz’s frustration were comments made by Biden during a past debate in which he denied that any service members had died during his presidency. Schmitz found the statement particularly hurtful, given the loss of her son and the 12 other service members during the Kabul attack.

“It was even more of a gut punch,” she said, referring to Biden’s denial. The statement, she added, felt like another instance of the administration refusing to acknowledge the deaths of the service members who died during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Harris Campaign Remains Silent

When asked for a response to Schmitz’s criticism, the Harris campaign did not provide a comment. The lack of response from the vice president’s office has only added to the frustrations expressed by Schmitz and other Gold Star families.

Schmitz said she and the other families were deeply disappointed that their invitations had gone unanswered. “In fact, the White House and Biden and Harris were invited as well, they just chose not to be there,” she stated, underscoring the sense of abandonment felt by the families.

A Call for Recognition

As Schmitz continues to voice her frustration with the Biden-Harris administration, she hopes that greater attention will be paid to the sacrifices made by the families of fallen service members. She has called on the administration to not only acknowledge the loss of their children but also to show respect for the ultimate sacrifice they made.

For Schmitz and others, the Arlington memorial was more than just a ceremony—it was a chance for the administration to demonstrate that it stands with the families of the fallen. That opportunity, however, was missed, leaving many feeling disillusioned with the current leadership.

Conclusion

Jaclyn Schmitz and other Gold Star parents extended an invitation to the Biden-Harris administration to attend a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to honor their children, but the invitation went unanswered.

Schmitz, whose son was among the 13 service members killed during the Kabul attack in 2021, expressed anger over the administration’s failure to attend and their overall lack of communication since the tragedy.

Former President Donald Trump attended the event, sparking a separate controversy.

Schmitz continues to call for recognition from the administration, hoping they will acknowledge the sacrifice of those who died in service to their country.