“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” These are the words of George Washington, our nation’s first president.

This is in stark contrast to our 45th president, who mocked a cancer-stricken POW who spent 5 1/2 years in captivity. He humiliated the Gold Star parents mourning the loss of their son who was killed in combat, and then referred to those who died in the service and the uniform of their nation as suckers and losers.

John Kelly, a four-star Marine Corps General, who lost a son in combat, quotes Trump’s exact words; “Why do you people say that these guys who get wounded or killed are heroes? They are suckers for going in the first place and they are losers.” Kelly states, “Trump is incapable of understanding honor, duty and sacrifice. He is a person that has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our constitution, and the rule of law.”

Four-star Admiral William McRaven, one of the most famous Navy SEALs in American history, directed these words to Trump, “Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage, and worst of all, divided us as a nation.”

Retired four star Army General Barry McCaffrey states, “Trump lacks the emotional and intellectual complexity to steer a super power and if left unchecked, will gradually degrade our once great country until it is as twisted and small as he is. It makes me sick, to be honest.”

Within the last week, a bipartisan group of 741 national security advisers, including 230 generals and flag officers, have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, stating “This election is a choice between serious leadership and vengeful impulsiveness. A choice between democracy and authoritarianism. Harris defines America’s democratic ideals while Trump endangers them.”

Prior to Trump, we were a nation where the most sacred recognition in the secular world was that of valor in war. America, where did you go?

T.J. Heenan is a U.S. Air Force veteran from Tidioute.