Every Veterans Day is a reminder of who we are as a nation — a people bound by courage, sacrifice, and an unshakable love of country. It’s not just a holiday; it’s a day to honor those who stepped forward to defend freedom and face down the evil that threatens the America we cherish.
On Tuesday, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, himself a Marine Corps vet, paid tribute at Arlington National Cemetery, standing shoulder to shoulder in respect for America’s heroes. During the ceremony, President Trump placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the crowd fell silent — a solemn, powerful moment that captured the spirit of Veterans Day and the gratitude of a nation that will never forget its defenders.
During his speech, framed by the solemn grandeur of Arlington’s marble columns, President Trump delivered a heartfelt tribute to America’s veterans in the way only he can — direct, unapologetic, and full of patriotism:
This morning, on these hallowed grounds where generations of American heroes rest in eternal glory, we gather to fulfill the sacred duty of every free man and woman. On Veterans Day, we honor those who have worn the uniform and whose rags have formed the mighty wall of flesh and blood that has defended our freedom for 250 years.
Today, to every Veteran, we say the words too often left unsaid – Thank you for your service. We also want to say thank you for carrying America’s faith on your strong, very broad, proud shoulders. Each of you has earned the respect and the gratitude of our entire nation. We love you. We solute you, and we will never forget what you have done to keep America safe, sovereign, and free.
What a powerful show of respect from the Commander in Chief. President Trump didn’t just offer words — he backed them up with results. During his remarks, he highlighted how his administration has worked tirelessly to cut through the red tape that’s plagued veterans for decades.
Under his leadership, the VA logged over one million service hours, opened 20 new facilities across 13 states, and processed a record three million backlogged claims. But perhaps the biggest victory of all was restoring VA Choice — giving veterans the freedom to see a doctor of their choosing if government delays stand in the way of care. That’s real leadership, real accountability, and real progress for the men and women who’ve sacrificed everything for this country.
Trump also addressed the enormous commitment and selflessness that comes with taking the oath, putting on a uniform, and defending this great nation:
With selfless commitment and unyielding conviction, they made themselves America’s ramparts, and became the shield between our homeland and those who would do us harm. With everything they had, they did one thing above all else—they put America First.
I hope every veteran takes the time to read or listen to President Trump’s speech — because it was a powerful reminder of what their service truly means. As he said, our veterans have always been “the shield between our homeland and those who would do us harm.” Today, we honor them, we thank them, and we stand in awe of their courage.
And while President Trump’s words carried the weight of history, Vice President JD Vance nearly stole the show early on with his remarks — speaking from the heart about his friendship with the president:
I’ve learned a couple things from working so closely with the president of the United States. The first thing, he loves our nation’s veterans and has committed our nation’s administration to putting our veterans first every single day. And the second thing I’ve learned about the president of the United States, is that he really hates when somebody who’s speaking before him goes on for too long. And so with that in mind, I have prepared a very brief and very inspiring 1 hour and 45 minute speech on this beautiful Veterans Day.
It’s not easy to catch President Trump off guard, but JD Vance managed to do it — and it earned a rare, genuine laugh from the president. It was a lighthearted moment in an otherwise solemn ceremony, showing the camaraderie between the two leaders.
Let me add my own small voice of gratitude today to the chorus across this nation: thank you to our veterans. Your service, your sacrifice, and your courage are the backbone of this country. Millions of Americans feel the same way — you are not forgotten. You are the living legacy that keeps America strong, free, and proud. I echo the president’s words: thank you for your service, and God bless you all.
