WATCH: Trump says Veterans Day is ‘Victory Day’
President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared Veterans Day as “Victory Day” to commemorate the ending of World Wars I and II.
“Today is not only Veterans Day but it is my proclamation that we are going to be saying and calling ‘Victory Day’ for World War I,” Trump said while speaking to national leaders and veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. “From now on, we’re going to say ‘Victory Day’ for World War I and World War II, and we can do plenty of other wars, but we’ll start with those two.”
In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower changed Armistice Day, in recognition of World War I veterans, to Veterans Day.
“Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage and our freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.” Eisenhower wrote in a proclamation.
In his remarks, Trump did not explicitly call for the renaming of the holiday.
He said he came up with the idea for “Victory Day” when he noticed that countries like France, the United Kingdom and Russia celebrate the end of the world wars.
Trump also acknowledged accomplishments from several veterans who were in the audience, including former Army Capt. William Swenson, who received a medal of honor for his military efforts in Afghanistan.
Trump also recognized Dale Stovell, a retired brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force, who led search and rescue missions during the Vietnam War. Additionally, he pointed out Jon Turnbull, an Army veteran who lost his vision in a bombing while deployed to Syria.
Trump recognized Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for his leadership in the June bombing of Iranian uranium enrichment facilities at Fordow.
Trump said he has ordered that more of the B-2 bomber planes that were used in the Iranian attack to be developed.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Workers say mass Spirit Airlines layoffs violate federal law
Bill that tried to kill secret agreements with your tax dollars now faces its own silent death
After-school program orgs seek $70M in new state grants to cover gap from fed cuts
Collins, Dooley to face off in June runoff for U.S. Senate
Alabama U.S. Senate races head to June runoff
Beecher 200U Approves Retirement Contract for High School Principal Mike Meyer
Tuberville, Jones to face off in Alabama governor’s race
SCOTUS turns down Eli Lilly bid to end ‘bounty hunter’ lawsuits
Congressional candidates discuss immigration, tax policies
Trump-endorsed Gallrein ousts Massie in Kentucky
U.S. House defies Senate, weakens private equity restrictions in housing bill
Beecher Approves $55,549 in Village Hall Upgrades and Amends Community Room Policy
