D2: Double the Disrespect


When I was on orders in D.C. my husband loaded up our sons in the truck and traveled to my duty station for a weekend.  It was a wonderful time and we visited our nation's War Memorials.  At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier we watched quietly.  And then we quietly... very quietly, left.  It was important that we allow the moment to soak into our being; that we reflect on the sacrificial nature of keeping an oath. And it was especially important that my young sons understand the nature of keeping an oath.

The first level of disrespect is noted in the video.  It seems that the SecWar and his party were far more interested in photo opportunities than recognizing the solemn impact of the moment.  They might as well have visited a Deli to look at the sandwich selection.  "I think I'll have a pastrami with extra pickles." Giggle... giggle... laugh

https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16288305/Pete-Hegseth-tucks-tail-legs-awards-patriot-yelled-Veterans-Day-ceremony-done.html

The second level of disrespect?  Suck in your breath.  Do not bitch slap me into the next county.  It involves the actions which then provide cover for the disrespect.

The lightning fast turn around to stage another photo opportunity with the Army Specialist who followed military protocol and without fear reprimanded Hegseth and Co. for treating this moment so lightly set me back on my heels and made me want to put my military boot up Hegseth's ass.

The Joint Commendation Service Medal "for the execution of his duties" is really the "We are all Joint Assholes who dishonored the memory of the unknown soldier.  But we are not going to apologize for our disrespectful jesting."

I was a department head for the awards department at Fleet Hospital Dallas. I had a team who worked with me.  The average award could take weeks to move through the chain of command and be signed off on before I got to work to create the award document which accompanied the ceremony when the ribbon was pinned on the chest of the deserving service member.  This never happened with the snap of my fingers.  It involved due process and chain of command approval far above my own rank.

I hope that Specialist Thomas Iglesias wears his ribbon with pride and continues to serve with fidelity to duty.  But our military ranks would be better served if the Secretary of War had humbled himself and apologized for the appalling lack of respect shown toward not only the unknown soldier, but all oath keepers who have lost their lives and fall under the shadow of this solemn commemoration.

Humility is in short supply in Washington.

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