On Memorial Day, Trump honors fallen U.S. soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery
[Arlington, Virginia | May 27, 2025] – U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday paid tribute to fallen American soldiers during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. He described them as “great, great warriors” who were “America’s best and bravest.”
President Trump said:
“We deeply honor their extraordinary legacy. We salute them in their eternal glory. And we continue our relentless pursuit of America’s destiny—to make our nation stronger, prouder, freer, and greater than ever before.”
His speech briefly touched on political matters.
“This republic, which I’ve been fixing after four difficult years — today is not the time to discuss that,” he said.
Before speaking, Trump laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — a solemn presidential tradition. After placing the wreath, he stood in silence, then saluted during the playing of "Taps."
He was joined by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Trump shared the story of Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent, who was killed in a 2019 suicide bombing in Syria alongside three other American service members. She left behind her husband, a 3-year-old son, and an 18-month-old son. Kent was on her fifth combat deployment, working to hunt down ISIS militants as a linguist, translator, and cryptologic technician embedded with special forces.
“She was among the first women ever to do it, and she did it better than anyone,” Trump said.
The ceremony also highlighted the story of Senior Master Sergeant Elroy Harworth, who died behind enemy lines during the Vietnam War while his wife was seven months pregnant. His son later followed in his footsteps and has now served in the U.S. Army for 20 years.
Vice President Vance remarked:
“These stories and every gravestone teach us one thing — we must be cautious in sending our people to war.”
However, Trump began the day with a different tone.
In a social media post written in all capital letters, he lashed out at President Joe Biden, calling him
“a scum who spent four years trying to destroy our country with radical leftism and left our borders wide open.”
He also attacked federal judges who blocked his mass deportation plans, calling them:
“Monsters who want our country to go to hell.”
Earlier, he had posted a separate message stating:
“HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!” — which drew criticism, as many believe using “Happy” for Memorial Day is inappropriate, given the day is meant to mourn fallen soldiers.
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