A riveting moment in the president's address came with the prolonged weeping of Mrs. William Owens followed by prolonged applause led by Mr. Trump. She is the widow of William "Ryan" Owens, the Navy Seal killed in Yemen January 29. Mrs. Owens deserves our sympathy. Does Donald Trump deserve credit for inviting her and basking in the sacrifice of her husband?

The New York Times reported that "On the night of President Trump’s first address to a joint session of Congress, it was not a policy proposal or rhetorical flourish that broke through partisan rancor, but a widowed mother of three fighting through sobs."

The Washington Times weighed in: "Of all the moments from President Trump’s first address to Congress, the most riveting piece of political theater was his tribute to the widow of fallen Navy SEAL William “Ryan” Owens. The president’s critics and supporters alike admired it."

The use and abuse of fallen soldiers is not new. But let's be clear: we still don't know (and may never know) how "almost everything that could go wrong did" in this intelligence gathering operation in Yemen. Petty Officer Owens's father has asked for a full investigation; he also refused to meet with President Trump and Daughter Ivanka when the body arrived at Dover AF base. It is fair to ask whether Commander-in-Chief Trump made the decision approving the attack after a considered and careful assessment--a decision made at the dinner table.

Trump last night remarked that “We are blessed to be joined tonight by Carryn Owens... Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero –- battling against terrorism and securing our nation. Ryan’s legacy is etched into eternity. For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom –- we will never forget him.”