Dear Editor:

The AI generated picture that Donald Trump recently posted on his Truth Social site should outrage every veteran, and the family members of anyone who served or serves our country honorably. The fantasy image, for those who did not happen to see it online, portrays Donald Trump in a full military uniform – complete with rows of medals - from the Second World War era. He is flanked by generals George Patton and Douglas MacArthur. 

Donald Trump used his wealthy father’s influence to avoid the draft on five occasions during the Vietnam War, the final one for supposed bone spurs. He later claimed that avoiding sexually transmitted diseases was his personal version of fighting the war. He disparaged a true war hero, John McCain, because he had been shot down before he spent years being tortured in a North Vietnamese cell. He has mused about giving himself a Medal of Honor. The list of the president’s offenses against veterans could fill volumes.

Like all of our neighbors and visitors, I drive the roads of the peninsula and have a visual reminder of the extraordinary number of men and women who put on the uniform and gave back to the country with pride and distinction. I was drafted and did my modest part years ago, but my service pales in comparison to the people who paid the ultimate price for their dedication, as well as for those who carried or still carry the physical or psychological scars of their time in service.

I challenge any veteran, or any citizen who acknowledges the sacrifices that veterans have made since the country’s inception 250 years ago, to defend the despicable stolen valor exhibited by President Trump.

Scott See

Boothbay Harbor