Veterans: Another dad deserves better from Trump

“War vets like my dad dishonored by Trump,” (TNT, 9/13).

This column reminded me of my now-deceased father’s story and his fear of President Trump.

My dad was captured in Southern Italy crossing the Rapido river. He also spent time at Stalag 11B. Likely because of escapes and sabotage he went to Stalag 111A near the Baltic.

He was initially liberated by the Russians, only to find the wire back up the next day. Dad and nine others escaped. They were led to American lines by surrendering German soldiers

Dad experienced intermittent PTSD throughout his life and the Gestapo was never far from his mind. Charlottesville sent him trying to flee with mom. He called me, terrified, saying the Gestapo was coming, Hitler was back.

He later questioned why Trump refused to condemn the white supremacists’ actions. It upset him that Trump talked so nicely about Putin, who he viewed as another Stalin and more dangerous.

Dad revered his POW/MIA flag. It represented his comrades, his son, the missing and those who remain fighting for veterans services.

His heart would break to know the commander in chief wants to forget and disrespects the people Dad’s flag represents.

This story was originally published September 15, 2020 at 8:22 AM with the headline "Veterans: Another dad deserves better from Trump."