After her son’s tragic death in the terrorist attack at Kabul airport, a Gold Star mother who had an encounter with President Joe Biden on Memorial Day shared her profound experience. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Christian Knauss lost his life in the bombing on August 26, 2021, a tragic event that claimed the lives of 13 American soldiers. Paula Knauss Selph, both his mother and the executive director of the Respect and Remember Foundation, had the opportunity to meet President Biden during an event for Gold Star families held in the Oval Office on Memorial Day 2022 in Washington, D.C.
In reflecting on the encounter, Selph recounted the overwhelming grief she experienced and the heart-wrenching nature of watching her own child’s life come to an end before the world’s eyes. Upon meeting President Biden, he acknowledged her pain by saying, “I can understand if you’re angry.”
Meeting the President face-to-face, Selph tearfully conveyed her belief that her son’s death should never have occurred in the way it did. She recalled Biden’s stoic response, as he suggested, “Well, would you like to get a photo with me?”
However, dissatisfied with such an offer, Selph informed Biden that she would only agree to a photograph taken with him at her son’s tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery. In response, Biden cited Secret Service protocol and explained that he couldn’t fulfill her request.
Expressing her disappointment, Selph condemned it as a “moral disgrace” for a president not to extend empathy to those he serves. She believed Biden’s actions turned the occasion into a mere “photo op,” rather than a genuine opportunity to console a grieving mother. She further expressed her sorrow that Biden had the chance to make decisions that could have spared her son’s life but chose not to, and she held him accountable for this.
Characterizing her son as a resolute individual who always aspired to serve in the armed forces, Selph spoke highly of his discipline, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to his mission. She emphasized that his sacrifice was driven by the desire to protect others and provide them with the opportunity to pursue the American dream.
The Respect and Remember Foundation, led by Selph as its executive director, has delineated several pivotal goals. These encompass supporting JROTC and ROTC Cadets with merit scholarships as they transition to military service, offering care packages and welcome home baskets to active duty military stationed abroad, arranging vacations for active military personnel and their families, and collaborating with veteran-led organizations to combat the distressingly high rates of suicide among veterans while helping them navigate the transition to civilian life.