World leaders from many different countries marched together on the streets of Paris for the unity march this past Sunday. But a notable representative was absent, which led many to speculate why a more prominent member of the White House was a no-show.

CNN reported more than 40 leaders from all around the world joined the estimated 1.5 million people during the anti-terrorism rally.

The march was a show of solidarity after acts of terror left 17 people dead in Paris.

After receiving criticism for not attending the march, President Barack Obama’s administration admitted it was a mistake not having sent a higher-ranking U.S. representative to show support, CNN reported.

While it was reported by the news source that a U.S. Ambassador was present, it seems off putting that President Obama or at least another high-ranking U.S. representative, like Secretary of State John Kerry, didn’t make an extra effort to show up to such a large, publicized event.

After all, the U.S. is a country that prides itself on being the defender of freedom and taking a stand against injustice, yet not one familiar American attended the march to demonstrate those principles and march against terrorism.

Terrorism is something that has negatively impacted many countries, including the U.S., and our country has had moments where we have needed support from other countries.

While this certainly is not the largest diplomatic issue at hand, it was disappointing, especially when terrorism is such a very large issue in the world.