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President Donald Trump paid tribute to America’s fallen service members on Memorial Day with a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring the “great, great warriors” who died in service to the country. While the president’s remarks focused largely on sacrifice and valor, they also included political commentary and campaign-style rhetoric.
Standing before rows of gravestones at the nation’s most hallowed military burial ground, Trump saluted Gold Star families and told the stories of several fallen American heroes, including Navy Senior Chief Shannon Kent, Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Elroy Harworth, and Army Cpl. Ryan McGhee.
“We just revere their incredible legacy,” Trump said. “We salute them in their eternal and everlasting glory. Their valor gave us the freest, greatest, and most noble republic ever to exist on the face of the earth — a republic that I am fixing after a long and hard four years.”
Trump described Kent, killed in 2019 during her fifth combat deployment, as a trailblazer who “did it better than anyone.” He also highlighted Harworth, who died during the Vietnam War, and McGhee, who enlisted after 9/11 and was killed in Iraq at just 21 years old. Family members of each were present and acknowledged during the ceremony.
Vice President JD Vance, who spoke before Trump, struck a more somber tone, warning that “we must be cautious in sending our people to war.” He urged Americans to demand that leaders treat military lives as “the most precious resource.”
While the day is traditionally marked by solemnity, Trump’s observances were bracketed by pointed political messages. Earlier that morning, he posted an all-caps message on social media attacking President Joe Biden, labeling him “scum” and blaming him for an “open border” and failed leadership. He also called judges who blocked his deportation plans “monsters who want our country to go to hell.”
That post followed another that read, “HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!” — a phrase widely considered inappropriate by veterans and military families who view the day as one of mourning, not celebration.
Vance appeared to address this sentiment in remarks delivered days earlier at the U.S. Naval Academy’s commencement. “Memorial Day is not for those who served and came home. It is for those who served and didn’t,” he said.
Despite the controversy surrounding his earlier messages, Trump’s speech at Arlington returned repeatedly to themes of duty and patriotism. “We continue our relentless pursuit of America’s destiny as we make our nation stronger, prouder, freer, and greater than ever before,” he said.
The president also looked ahead to 2026, noting the approaching 250th anniversary of American independence. “In some ways, I’m glad I missed that second term,” he joked, referring to his 2020 loss to Biden. “Because I wouldn’t be president for that. Now look what I have — I have everything.”
Before delivering his remarks, Trump took part in the traditional wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, accompanied by Vice President Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He paused solemnly after placing the wreath, then stepped back and saluted as “Taps” played in the background.
More than 400,000 men and women are buried at Arlington, many of whom gave their lives in battle. Memorial Day remains one of the most sacred and solemn national observances — a day of reflection, remembrance, and, for many families, mourning.
