During a solemn ceremony intended to honor fallen Marines, family members claim they were forced to wait for hours because President Joe Biden was asleep on Air Force One.

An accusation has surfaced alleging that Biden delayed a dignified transfer ceremony due to his need for a nap, causing distress among waiting families, as the Hindustan Times reports.

Families Await Arrival of Fallen Soldiers

The "dignified transfer" ceremony is a poignant event meant to honor military personnel killed in action.

This particular ceremony was to recognize 13 American soldiers and over 170 Afghans who perished in a Taliban attack at Kabul International Airport's Abbey Gate during the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan.

However, the gravity of the event was overshadowed by frustration from families who reportedly waited an additional three hours.

Roice McCollum, whose brother Marine Rylee McCollum was killed in the attack, voiced her discontent, stating that the delay was due to Biden's inability to meet them on time.

Other relatives shared similar sentiments, including Darin Hoover, father of Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, and Christy Shamblin, mother-in-law of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, who both confirmed their prolonged wait.

White House Response to Allegations

Amidst the allegations, a White House representative strongly refuted claims that President Biden was asleep, highlighting his previous statements that honor the fallen soldiers.

The representative cited Biden's speech on the fourth anniversary of the Abbey Gate attack and letters to the families as evidence of his respect and commitment to the fallen soldiers.

"That claim is untrue. As President Biden said on the 4th anniversary of the tragic attack on Abbey Gate and in the letters he wrote to family members after meeting with them in Dover, 'these 13 Americans -- and the many more that were wounded -- were patriots in the highest sense' and 'we owe them and their families a sacred debt we will never be able to fully repay, but will never cease working to fulfill,'" stated the White House spokesman.

The controversy also touched on Biden's conduct during the ceremony, specifically allegations that he checked his watch, which critics pointed to as an indication of disregard, though allies of the White House disputed this interpretation.

Family Members Express Grief, Anger

Expressions of grief and anger were not limited to claims of delay. An unnamed source reflected on the painful wait, stating, "We sat in that office for what seemed like an eternity," capturing the frustration felt by many during the ceremony.

"The commander-in-chief made us wait an extra three hours to receive the bodies of our dead family members because he couldn’t pull it together," Roice McCollum elaborated on the impact of the delay on the families' emotional state.

Darin Hoover also shared his thoughts bluntly: "We sat in that office for what seemed like an eternity waiting on the doddering old fool," emphasizing the disappointment and emotional toll the delay took on the families involved.

Reflecting on the Dignified Transfer Ceremony

The dignified transfer ceremony, usually a moment of unity and solemn respect, became a point of contention that highlighted broader criticisms of how the administration handles military casualties and their families' needs.

This incident has spurred discussions on the appropriate conduct and the profound respect owed to those who sacrifice their lives for the country.

While the White House has denied any mishaps related to the president's readiness, the families' accounts suggest a significant impact on their experience of what should have been a respectful closure to their loved ones' sacrifice.

As the nation continues to reflect on the sacrifices made by its service members, the controversy surrounding this particular ceremony serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between honoring those who have fallen and managing the protocols of national leadership.