Washington – The Joint Chiefs of Staff, the most senior officers in every branch of the military, sent a remarkable memo to all members of the armed forces on Tuesday, reminding them of their duty to uphold the constitution and reaffirming that President-elect Joe Biden will will be inaugurated on January 20.
“The American people have relied on the United States armed forces for nearly 250 years to protect them and our Constitution. As we have done in our history, the US military will obey legal orders from civilian leaders, support civil authorities to protect lives. and property, maintain public safety in accordance with the law and remain fully committed to protecting and defending the United States Constitution from all enemies, both foreign and domestic, ”the generals and admiral said in their memo.
The memo denounced the January 6 attacks on the Capitol, in which supporters of President Trump overran the building in a violent attack that resulted in the deaths of five people.
“We witnessed actions in the Capitol that were contrary to the rule of law. The right to freedom of expression and assembly does not entitle anyone to resort to violence, sedition and insurrection,” the chiefs said. As service members, we must embody the values and ideals of the nation. We support and defend the constitution. Any act that disrupts the constitutional process is not only contrary to our traditions, values and oaths; it is also against the law. . “
The Joint Chiefs of Staff serve as the President’s primary military advisers and generally remain apolitical. While the memo does not make a political statement, it is noteworthy that the service chiefs felt they should reaffirm the military’s duty prior to the inauguration.
“On January 20, 2021, in accordance with the Constitution, confirmed by the states and the courts, and certified by Congress, President-elect Biden will be inaugurated and become our 46th Commander in Chief,” the memo continued.
The notice was signed by General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs; General John Hyten, the Vice Chairman; General James McConville, the Army Chief of Staff; General David Berger, the commander of the Marine Corps; Rear Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations; General Charles Brown, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Air Force; General John Raymond, Chief of Space Operations; and General Daniel Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
President Trump refused to give in to the election until last week and had urged Republican members of Congress to try to reverse the election. The riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6 occurred as Congress took the Electoral College ballots and declared Mr. Biden the winner.
The president’s supporters have been under constant threat of violence in the days leading up to the inauguration. At least 10,000 National Guard troops will be in the country’s capital to provide security for the post-attack event.