President Donald Trump marked Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He honored fallen soldiers and thanked their families for their sacrifices.
Trump said, “In every hour of peril, American warriors have left their homes and given their last breaths so we might live safe and free.”
However, his speech also included criticism of the previous administration. He called America a “Republic that I am fixing after a long and hard four years.” He criticized President Biden’s handling of the southern border and promised, “We will do better than we’ve ever done as a nation.”
Earlier on social media, Trump wished Americans a “happy Memorial Day” but referred to some people as “scum” who spent four years trying to harm the country. He also criticized judges who ruled against his policies and the Biden administration’s border policies. He expressed hope that the Supreme Court and other judges would save the country from those he called “monsters.”
At the ceremony, Trump was joined by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine. Together, they observed a moment of silence at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which holds the remains of an unidentified World War I soldier.
Speakers at the cemetery’s amphitheater also honored the day. Hegseth said the gathering was to honor those who died young and to remember what they fought for. Vance praised the sacrifices of troops and reminded attendees that war must be approached with caution. He said, “They laid down their lives for Americans they would never meet and for generations yet unborn.”
The White House issued a proclamation asking officials and citizens to fly flags at half-staff to honor the day as one of remembrance and gratitude for the brave patriots.
While many see Memorial Day as a solemn day to honor fallen soldiers, Trump’s earlier social media post wishing a “happy Memorial Day” drew criticism because the day is traditionally observed with quiet respect.
