Trump attends Veterans Day ceremony in Arlington Cemetery

Key Concepts

Veterans Day National Committee
Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Invocation and Prayer for Veterans
American Veterans (Amvets) - History, Mission, and Leadership
Pledge of Allegiance
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Mission and Reforms
Stories of Veteran Sacrifice and Service
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients
Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Stars
Renaming of Department of Defense to Department of War
VA Benefit Claims Backlog Reduction
Veteran Homelessness Initiatives
VA Home Loan Program Reform
Veteran Unemployment Rate
Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)
"Victory Day" Proclamation for WWI and WWII
"America First" Philosophy in relation to Veterans

Veterans Day National Observance Ceremony

This transcript details the 2025 National Veterans Day Observance ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery. The event features military honors, patriotic songs, speeches from government officials and veteran organization leaders, and personal accounts of valor.

Wreath Laying and Musical Performance

The ceremony begins with the Armed Forces Honor Guard and the United States Army Band in formation as the President of the United States proceeds to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to place a wreath. A musical performance, including "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah," is presented.

Introduction of Veterans Day National Committee

Distinguished guests are introduced as members of the Veterans Day National Committee, established by presidential order in 1954 to plan the annual observance. Notable members include representatives from various veteran service organizations such as the Army and Navy Union, Non-commissioned Officers Association, The American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Marine Corps League, Military Chaplain Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Legion of Valor, Military Order of the World Wars, TRIA the Enlisted Association, Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, Commissioned Officers Association of the United States Public Health Service, Air Force Sergeants Association, and Polish Legion of American Veterans.

Arrival of Official Party and Procession of Colors

The official party, including the President and Vice President of the United States, arrives, and attendees are asked to stand. The procession of national colors and those of veteran service organizations follows, accompanied by the United States Army Band playing the "National Emblem March."

Invocation

Chaplain Kimberly Willis, executive director of chaplain service for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, delivers the invocation. The prayer expresses gratitude for those who have served, acknowledges their sacrifices, and prays for healing, strength, and peace for those bearing the cost of service and for their families. It also blesses the Department of Veterans Affairs and veteran service organizations, renewing a covenant to tend the garden of democracy and serve with humility, integrity, and compassion.

Introduction of Amvets and Pledge of Allegiance

The 2025 National Veterans Day Observance Co-host organization, American Veterans (Amvets), is introduced. Amvets was founded in 1944 and chartered by Congress in 1947. Its current priorities include mental health, suicide prevention, and ensuring equal recognition and opportunities for women veterans. National Commander Paul Shipley, a US Army combat veteran, leads the Pledge of Allegiance.

Remarks by Amvets National Commander Paul Shipley

Commander Shipley addresses the attendees, emphasizing the honor of gathering at Arlington National Cemetery to honor veterans. He highlights Amvets' commitment to preventing veteran suicide and homelessness, promoting awareness of POW/MIA issues, and supporting veteran families. He challenges everyone to find ways to support veterans through acts of kindness, volunteering, or advocacy, stating that supporting veterans is a reflection of gratitude and respect.

Introduction of VA Secretary Doug Collins

Secretary Doug Collins of the Department of Veterans Affairs is introduced. He shares his personal commitment to "taking care of our veterans" as directed by the President. He highlights the VA's shift towards an "outer reflection" with the veteran as the priority. Under his leadership, the VA has reportedly lowered backlogs and increased wait times for community care.

Secretary Collins' Perspective on Veterans Day

Secretary Collins emphasizes that Veterans Day is about "everyday people doing extraordinary things" who commit to something bigger than themselves. He shares personal anecdotes:

A young female soldier deploying to Iraq shortly after giving birth, prioritizing her troops.
An A1C (Airman First Class) expressing his ability to help his family and buy Christmas presents due to his service.
An elderly veteran in hospice playing a keyboard, reflecting on his service.

He asserts that veterans have "earned everything that they are getting" and criticizes the notion that veterans "keep getting stuff."

Remarks by Vice President of the United States

The Vice President expresses his learning from the President about the commitment to putting veterans first. He delivers three brief messages:

To Veterans: A heartfelt "thank you" for their service and sacrifice, acknowledging the profound impact of their contributions.
To Political Leaders: An obligation to ensure the American military is the "bravest and best fighting force" and to provide necessary training and resources when deploying troops.
To the American People: Suggestions for honoring veterans, such as buying them a meal or calling to say thank you, emphasizing that showing gratitude encourages the best and brightest to serve.

Remarks by President Donald J. Trump

President Trump addresses the attendees, reiterating the nation's gratitude to veterans for defending freedom. He highlights the contributions of veterans to the nation's achievements and acknowledges the sacrifices made by service members across all branches.

Historical Examples of Valor

President Trump shares historical accounts of bravery:

Major Sullivan Ballou: His letter to his wife before the Battle of Bull Run, expressing his willingness to lay down his life for the government.
Colonel Bull Wolverton: His prayer before D-Day, asking to die without complaint if necessary.

He mentions the more than 1 million American service members who have made the supreme sacrifice.

Modern Examples of Valor

President Trump highlights contemporary examples of heroism:

Army Captain William Swenson: Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during an ambush in Afghanistan, where he repeatedly risked his life to aid wounded soldiers and evacuate them.
Air Force Captain Dale Stoville: Awarded the Air Force Cross and Distinguished Flying Cross for a deep rescue mission behind enemy lines in Vietnam, completing one of the most challenging rescues of the war. He retired as a brigadier general.
Army Major Jonathan Turnbull: A West Point graduate who survived a suicide bombing in Syria, undergoing 22 surgeries and multiple resuscitations, and is now back on his feet.

"Victory Day" Proclamation and Department of War Renaming

President Trump announces the proclamation of "Victory Day" for World War I and World War II, noting that other countries celebrate such days and the U.S. should as well. He also announces the renaming of the Department of Defense back to the "Department of War," stating a preference for directness and a focus on winning.

VA Reforms and Achievements under the Trump Administration

President Trump details achievements of his administration regarding veterans' affairs:

Cut the VA benefit claims backlog in half, with a goal of zero.
Processed over 3 million backlog claims, the most in VA history.
Added over 1 million extra service hours and opened 20 new facilities.
Reinstated VA Choice and VA Accountability, allowing veterans to seek community care if wait times are excessive.
Fired over 9,000 VA employees deemed to be mistreating veterans, stating that many were rehired by the subsequent administration.
Established the National Center for Warrior Independence to combat veteran homelessness.
Signed the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act.
Reported a more than 26% decrease in the veteran unemployment rate since January.

He contrasts these achievements with the "Biden administration," which he claims saw the backlog explode.

Conclusion of Remarks

President Trump concludes by emphasizing that veterans have always put America first and have been the shield protecting the nation. He reiterates his gratitude and love for all American veterans.

"God Bless America" and Retirement of Colors

The ceremony concludes with the United States Army Band and Chorus singing "God Bless America." Attendees remain standing as the colors are retired. The 2025 National Veterans Day Observance is declared concluded, with attendees thanked for their participation.