During former President Donald Trump's recent visit to Arlington National Cemetery, controversy arose over photos and videos that were shared online. In one photo, the grave of an Army Special Forces soldier who died by suicide was featured without the family's permission. The soldier, Master Sgt. Andrew Marckesano, a Silver Star recipient, rests next to Marine Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, who was killed in the Abbey Gate bombing.
The Marckesano family expressed their disappointment, stating that the Trump campaign did not follow the rules set for the visit to Section 60, where the photos were taken. They emphasized the need for visitors to understand and respect the sacrifices made by these service members for the country's freedom.
In a show of solidarity with the families of the 13 service members who lost their lives in the Kabul attack, the Marckesanos called for transparency and accountability regarding the Afghanistan withdrawal and the events at Abbey Gate.
The incident at Arlington National Cemetery prompted a strong response from the US Army, which rebuked the participants for violating federal laws on political activities at the sacred site. An employee of the cemetery was reportedly pushed aside during the ceremony, further adding to the controversy surrounding Trump's visit.
