President Trump Participates in the 2026 National Veterans Day Ceremony

Event Overview: The 73rd National Veterans Day observance was held at Arlington National Cemetery, featuring the Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a procession of colors, and remarks by the President, Vice President, and Cabinet members.

• The ceremony was co-hosted by the Army and Navy Union of the United States of America, the oldest active veterans organization (founded 1886), led by National Commander Norman T. Henninger, Jr.
• The Veterans Day National Committee, formed by presidential order in 1954, oversaw the planning and included representatives from organizations such as the American Legion, VFW, and Disabled American Veterans.

Historical Context and Definitions:

• Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas A. Collins distinguished Veterans Day from Memorial Day, noting Veterans Day honors all who served (living or deceased), whereas Memorial Day honors those who died in service.
• The holiday originated as "Armistice Day," proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in World War I.
• Congress officially renamed the holiday "Veterans Day" on June 1, 1954, expanding the scope to honor veterans of all wars.

Administrative Actions and VA Statistics:

• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has opened 47 new facilities since 2025.
• There has been a 26% increase in veterans accessing direct and community care under the Mission Act in the last two years.
• The VA claims backlog has been reduced by 71% in less than two years.
• The administration secured housing for nearly 100,000 previously homeless veterans.
• Legislation signed includes the VA Home Loan Reform Act to prevent veteran foreclosures.
• Secretary Collins noted the VA Secretary holds a 92% approval rating, described as significantly higher than his predecessor.

Military Recruitment and Operational Claims:

• President Donald J. Trump stated the U.S. military currently has the highest recruitment numbers in history, with waitlists for enlistment replacing previous shortages.
• The President claimed a "war" in Venezuela was won in 48 minutes, resulting in the seizure of billions of dollars in oil and resources.
• Operations against Iran were described as having begun seven months prior, involving B-2 bombers and resulting in 18 service member casualties, with a goal of "total victory" rather than a partial outcome.
• The President asserted that China and Russia withdrew from various regional engagements after the U.S. military strength was demonstrated.

Veteran Service Recognition:

• Corporal Jack Myers: A 103-year-old WWII veteran and survivor of the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of Dachau, recognized for his service in the 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion.
• Colonel Douglas Moore: A Vietnam-era Dust-off pilot who flew 1,874 combat missions, rescued 2,782 soldiers, and received the Distinguished Service Cross after being blinded by shraptrum while rescuing eight men in a single day.
• Sergeant First Class Ryan Hendrickson: A Green Beret who, after surviving an IED blast that shattered his leg, returned to combat, was shot in the same leg while disobeying orders to save comrades, and received the Silver Star.
• Dale Garner: A former Marine and sole survivor of the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing by Hezbollah terrorists, who suffered catastrophic injuries while on a peace mission.
• Three World War II veterans (Dave Yoho, Clifford Richardson, Julian Smith) were specifically recognized by the Vice President.

Policy Commitments and Legislative Priorities:

• The administration prioritizes the "Mission Act" to facilitate community care for veterans.
• New initiatives include the VA Choice and VA Accountability acts.
• A commitment was made to dedicate a "magnificent, triumphal arc" to veterans, a project the President noted veterans have awaited for 200 years.
• The administration pledged to honor the promises made to veterans of Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, framing the duty to fight for future generations as a continuation of the torch passed from previous eras.

Casualty Statistics Cited:

• Korean War: 4 years, 36,500 losses.
• Vietnam War: 21 years, 60,000 losses.
• Iraq War: 8 years, over 4,400 losses.
• Afghanistan War: Nearly 20 years, 2,500 losses.
• Beirut Barracks (1983): 241 service members lost in a single day.

Closing Observations:

• The event concluded with the singing of "God Bless America" and the retirement of the colors by the U.S. Coast Guard Band and Air Force Singing Sergeants.
• President Trump emphasized that the U.S. military is "stronger and more powerful today than ever before" and that the nation is facing fewer global threats due to current deterrence strategies.