TRUMP: A wounded heart

As a recipient of the Purple Heart and a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, I am appalled by Donald Trump’s cavalier statement about receiving a Purple Heart from a MOPH member — “this was easy.”

Trump has demonstrated on numerous occasions his disrespect for veterans and their families: 1.) his demeaning of John McCain’s valor and captivity as a POW; 2.) his failure to fulfill his campaign promise of raising $6 million for veterans organizations; and 3.) his disrespect for Gold Star families.

The sacrifices that veterans and their families make are not “easy.” No one, especially a presidential candidate who strives to be Commander-in-Chief, should demean those sacrifices.

Aug. 7 is National Purple Heart Day. Let’s remember the brave men and women who were either wounded in combat or gave their lives for our freedom.

FRANK CALI

Coeur d’Alene