Trump visit to military right move
It is welcome news that President Trump intends to visit the troops. “I’m going to a war zone,” the president said as he headed to Florida to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach. At a July Fourth military appreciation event, President Trump was straightforward in his praise for our fighting forces. “Our freedom exists only because there are brave Americans willing to give their lives to defend it and defend our great country,” he said. “American liberty has been earned through the blood, sweat and sacrifice of American patriots.” President Trump is obviously impressed with the heart and strength of our armed forces. “The immortal story of the American warrior is written in the fields of Gettysburg, the sands of Iwo Jima, the mountains of Afghanistan and the snow of Valley Forge. It is the story of courage, honor, duty, loyalty and love,” he said at last summer’s event. “These are truly unbelievable people — thank you for keeping America safe, strong, proud, mighty and free. God bless you. God bless our military. And God bless America,” he concluded. Presidents have traditionally visited war zones and it is a morale boost for those in uniform. The iconic video of President Bush surprising troops in Iraq 15 years ago goes a long way in illustrating the injection of exuberance a presidential visit can bring. At the time, CNN spoke to some of those soldiers and asked them for their thoughts on the president’s visit: “It gave us a little extra oomph,” said Spc. Talitha Williams, an Arkansas native assigned to the 1st Armored Division. “Maybe we can get through this.” “It felt good,” said Spc. Juan Deloera, also with the 1st Armored Division. “It really boosted my morale.” “It helps a lot knowing that the commander in chief himself is going to come out here and make some of the same sacrifices away from his family, away from his home, to show that he is devoted and in the same position that we are,” said Pvt. Patrick McFarland of the 1st Armored Division. “That’s where your mind is, on home this time of the year, and you think about your loved ones, your friends and things like that, and then you have the leader of our country come here and share dinner with us. It’s actually very special,” said Sgt. Robert Dunn, a Dallas native with the 1st Armored Division. President Trump has the same opportunity to ignite hope and enthusiasm in our troops serving us bravely across the globe. He has made it a goal to shore up our military capability and made it quite clear that he’d like to hold a massive military parade in the nation’s capital. Hit the road, Mr. President, our brave men and women are ready to receive you.