In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and principle, a growing coalition of U.S. veterans has come together to deliver a critical message to Governor Ron DeSantis. The veterans have penned an open letter, which is being delivered to the Governor this week, urging him to re-evaluate Florida’s approach to capital punishment. Their central plea is a call to honor the sacred military code that unites all service members: “Leave no one behind.” This action sheds light on a complex and deeply personal issue that challenges our understanding of justice and our duty to those who have served our nation.
The open letter, signed by nearly 100 veterans, isn’t a political statement in the traditional sense; it’s a moral one, rooted in the shared experience and unbreakable bond of military service. The “Leave no one behind” ethos is more than just a motto—it’s a commitment to rescue and recover every person on the battlefield, regardless of the cost. For these veterans, that obligation extends far beyond the battlefield and into civilian life. It means not abandoning a fellow soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine, even when they have made a grave mistake.
This heartfelt appeal comes at a time when Florida is seeing a significant and accelerating number of executions. Governor DeSantis has publicly stated that he believes some crimes are so horrific that the death penalty is the “only appropriate punishment.” However, a key issue raised in the veterans’ letter is the case of fellow service members who may be suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). For these veterans, the psychological scars from combat can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, and their untreated trauma can directly contribute to the crimes for which they are later convicted.
The veterans’ letter points out that to execute a fellow service member suffering from these unseen injuries is not justice—it is a final act of abandonment. “We can never be a veteran-friendly state when our leader is signing off on their deaths at the hands of the State,” the letter states. It is a powerful reminder that our duty to care for those who have sacrificed for our country does not end when they take off their uniform. It is a lifelong commitment that demands we treat these individuals with a level of compassion and understanding that recognizes the full context of their lives and their service.
This issue has galvanized veterans both inside and outside of Florida. In addition to the collective plea, there have been vigils and protests organized by veterans to draw attention to specific cases. They argue that Florida’s aggressive pace of executions, particularly for those with combat-related trauma, is not only a moral failing but a violation of a fundamental trust.
The movement to protect veterans from the death penalty is a critical component of a broader national conversation about capital punishment and the potential for a justice system that is both fair and humane. The emotional and ethical weight of a veteran’s plea to “leave no one behind” resonates deeply, challenging everyone to consider whether the death penalty aligns with the values we claim to uphold.
This is a cause that requires action from all of us. If you are a veteran, your signature on this open letter adds a powerful voice to the chorus of those asking for compassion and a re-evaluation of this policy. Even if you are not a veteran, you can still support this critical effort by sharing this message with your friends and family and urging them to learn more about the issue. To join the movement and learn how you can get involved in this vital work, please visit our dedicated page on the death penalty here: https://sustainableactionnow.org/death-penalty/. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the promise of “Leave no one behind” is one that our nation truly honors.
