Emotional Farewell: Cheney’s Funeral Filled with Tears, Yet Iraq Victims Remain Unremembered

You could sense something was off at the Washington National Cathedral when key political figures were spotted mingling in unexpected places. The recent funeral for Dick Cheney, who passed away at 84, felt like a nod to a different era. Many familiar faces from both sides of the aisle were there. Strikingly absent, however, were Donald Trump and his deputy, JD Vance, casting a shadow over an event that highlighted the ongoing divide in American politics.

More than a thousand guests watched as military personnel carefully placed Cheney’s casket draped in the American flag. The two-hour ceremony featured somber music and emotional speeches, echoing through the cathedral’s high ceilings—almost a requiem for the Republican Party itself.

Once called “Darth Vader” of American politics, Cheney had his controversies, yet he found a measure of redemption protecting his daughter Liz and upholding democratic values against Trump. This duality was evident: while Cheney had shaped powerful military policies, he also laid the groundwork for the expansive presidential powers that Trump later exploited.

Historically, Cheney’s support for the Iraq War, based on the claim of weapons of mass destruction, significantly eroded public trust in political leadership. According to recent surveys, only 25% of Americans believe their politicians are acting in their best interest. This mistrust laid the groundwork for Trump’s rise as an outsider promising to “drain the swamp.”

The emotional tributes at Cheney’s funeral captured a man of contrasts. His cardiologist, Jonathan Reiner, referred to him as “a still point in the turning wheel.” And while friends remembered him fondly, acknowledging his personal side—like being a granddad who enjoyed John Wayne movies—the heavy burden of his political choices was impossible to ignore.

Former President George W. Bush praised Cheney’s dedication. Still, he lightly alluded to Cheney’s role in controversial policies without delving into specifics. Liz Cheney pointed out her father’s commitment to the Constitution, even as his later critiques of Trump positioned him against many in his party.

The paradox of defending democracy at home while engaging in questionable practices abroad has long marked U.S. foreign policy history. Jeremy Varon, an expert on this subject, highlights the irony: Americans often seek to protect their homeland while neglecting the rights of others globally.

As Liz Cheney ended her heartfelt eulogy, she invoked Shakespeare to say goodbye, capturing the complexity of a man who embodied both deep loyalty and profound controversy. In her words, it’s clear that Cheney will be remembered not just for his actions, but for the debates they continue to ignite in American politics today.

This reflection on Cheney’s legacy reminds us of the intricate dance between personal history and political power, inviting ongoing conversation about who we are as a nation and where we are headed.



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