President Trump proclaimed Veterans Day will now also be celebrated as “Victory Day for World War I,” finally giving America the recognition it deserves for winning the wars that other nations have long celebrated without us.
Story Highlights
- Trump declares Veterans Day will also be known as “Victory Day for World War I” during Arlington ceremony.
- President cites America’s decisive role in forcing Germany’s surrender on November 11, 1918.
- Announcement comes as Trump criticizes the 42-day government shutdown that hurt federal workers and veterans.
- Victory Day designation extends to World War II, matching celebrations held by other nations worldwide.
Trump Reclaims America’s War Victory Legacy
President Trump delivered the historic announcement at Arlington National Cemetery after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The proclamation recognizes America’s pivotal role in ending World War I when Germany surrendered on November 11, 1918. Trump emphasized that while other nations like France, the UK, and Russia celebrate their own Victory Days, America had inexplicably failed to honor its war victories.
The designation will apply to both World War I and World War II, with Trump noting America “won a lot of good ones” and could expand the recognition to other conflicts.
Trump says Veterans Day now ‘Victory Day’ in Arlington cemetery speech https://t.co/zc6FSOc6wf pic.twitter.com/7GRq8VaWq6
— New York Post (@nypost) November 11, 2025
Honoring Veterans While Ending Government Dysfunction
The Veterans Day ceremony took place amid frigid conditions with 16 mph wind gusts, where Trump was joined by Vice President JD Vance, an Iraq War veteran, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins.
Trump used the solemn occasion to address the ongoing 42-day government shutdown that had left 1.4 million federal workers without pay and disrupted benefits for 42 million Americans receiving food stamps.
He promised a “quick” reopening after Senate Democrats finally agreed to pass a temporary funding bill through January 30, 2026, declaring “We’re opening up our country. Should have never been closed.”
American Dream Restoration at Sacred Ground
Speaking at the cemetery that houses 400,000 military remains, Trump connected the sacrifice of fallen heroes to America’s renewed strength under his leadership.
He declared that veterans “have lived through unthinkable nightmares so we could live the American dream — and the American dream is coming back again, stronger than ever before.”
The president also recognized a wounded soldier he had recently visited at Walter Reed military hospital, personalizing his commitment to veteran care during his remarks at the historic site.
Historic Setting for Patriotic Renewal
Arlington National Cemetery, located across the Potomac River from Washington on the former estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, provided a fitting backdrop for Trump’s announcement.
The cemetery sits on land once owned by George Washington’s step-grandson, George Washington Parke Custis, connecting America’s founding era to its military victories.
Trump also revealed plans for a triumphal arch near the cemetery’s traffic circle, within sight of the Lincoln Memorial, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year, further cementing America’s proud heritage and constitutional foundations.
