Speaking at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, President Donald Trump praised the U.S. military’s legacy and highlighted stories of heroism, while renewing his push to celebrate American “Victory Day” for the world wars.
President Donald Trump marked Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, with a wreath‑laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and remarks in Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater, praising the U.S. military’s “legacy of gallantry and daring” and offering thanks to veterans. “On Veterans Day, we honor those who have worn the uniform … whose ranks have formed the mighty wall of flesh and blood, bravery and devotion that has defended our freedom for 250 years,” he said. He added: “To every veteran … thank you for your service.”
Trump illustrated his tribute with historical examples of sacrifice. He recounted Major Sullivan Ballou’s 1861 letter to his wife before First Bull Run—“I am willing, perfectly willing, to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt”—noting that Ballou died a week later in the battle. He also cited Lt. Col. Robert “Bull” Wolverton, the 3rd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment commander who prayed with his men on the eve of D‑Day and was killed hours after jumping into Normandy when his parachute caught in a tree.
The president recognized veterans in attendance, including Medal of Honor recipient William D. Swenson, whom he described crossing open ground under fire during a 2009 ambush in Afghanistan and, when surrounded and ordered to surrender, throwing a grenade and repeatedly evacuating the wounded over roughly seven hours. Trump called retired Brig. Gen. Dale Stovall “a legend,” recalling Stovall’s 1972 HH‑53C helicopter mission that rescued Capt. Roger Locher after 23 days evading capture in North Vietnam—widely described as the deepest such rescue of the Vietnam War. “You look good, General,” Trump said with a smile.
Trump used the occasion to again promote commemorations he calls “Victory Day.” He said the United States should refer to Nov. 11 as “Victory Day for World War I” and May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II,” aligning with allied observances. Legally, Nov. 11 remains Veterans Day; the White House’s formal proclamation for 2025 designated the day as Veterans Day, while separate presidential statements have marked May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II” and issued a Veterans Day message lauding victory in World War I.
The president also touted a September executive order authorizing use of “Department of War” as a secondary title for the Pentagon, saying his administration is restoring a winning ethos. The department’s legal name remains the Department of Defense unless changed by Congress. He criticized “political correctness” in the armed forces and pledged improved care for former service members, asserting that his team has sharply reduced the benefits claims backlog. VA figures show the backlog has fallen significantly since January—down by roughly one‑third through late summer—even as overall claims processing hit record levels this year; officials say work continues to drive it lower.
Trump closed on a note of gratitude: “The people of our nation sleep safe … and we will never forget what you have done to keep America safe, sovereign and free.”
