Trump Proposes Renaming Veterans Day and Establishing New Holiday to Celebrate US Military Victories
Former President Donald Trump has ignited a fresh wave of debate with a proposal to rename Veterans Day and establish a new federal holiday, all in the name of celebrating American military victories. In a recent social media post on his Truth Social platform, Trump outlined his vision for a renewed emphasis on recognizing the United States’ triumphs on the world stage, particularly in the context of World War I and World War II.
The core of Trump’s proposition involves renaming Veterans Day, currently observed on November 11th, to "Victory Day for World War I." He argues that this change would provide a more direct and celebratory focus on the Allied victory that brought an end to the "war to end all wars." Simultaneously, Trump is advocating for the formal recognition of May 8th as "Victory Day for World War II," aligning the United States with several European nations that already commemorate the day as Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day).
"We are going to start celebrating our victories again!" Trump declared in his Truth Social post, framing his proposals as a necessary correction to what he perceives as a lack of national pride and recognition of American military prowess. He lamented, "We won both Wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything — That’s because we don’t have leaders anymore, that know how to do so!"
The current Veterans Day holiday holds a significant place in the American calendar. Established as a federal holiday in 1938, it was originally known as Armistice Day, commemorating the armistice signed between the Allied nations and Germany on November 11, 1918, which effectively ended the fighting in World War I. In 1954, Congress officially renamed the holiday Veterans Day, expanding its scope to honor all American veterans, regardless of when or where they served. This broader focus allows the nation to express its gratitude to the men and women who have dedicated themselves to the defense of the country throughout its history.
While Trump’s emphasis on celebrating victories resonates with some, his proposal raises questions about the purpose and meaning of Veterans Day. Critics argue that renaming the holiday to specifically commemorate the victory in World War I would diminish its inclusive nature and potentially marginalize veterans who served in other conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The current Veterans Day serves as a unifying moment for the nation to collectively acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of all those who have worn the uniform.
The establishment of May 8th as a federal holiday commemorating Victory in Europe Day presents a separate set of considerations. While V-E Day holds profound historical significance, marking the end of organized Nazi resistance and the liberation of Europe from Axis control, its inclusion in the American holiday calendar could spark debate about the relative importance of different historical events and the allocation of national recognition.
Currently, May 8th is not a federal holiday in the United States, though it is observed in many European countries with parades, ceremonies, and moments of remembrance. The United States played a crucial role in the Allied victory in World War II, contributing significantly to the war effort through military personnel, industrial production, and financial aid. Acknowledging May 8th as a national day of recognition could be seen as a way to further honor the contributions of American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who fought and died to defeat fascism.
However, any attempt to formally establish May 8th as a federal holiday would likely face scrutiny from various stakeholders, including veterans’ organizations, historical societies, and members of Congress. Some may argue that the existing federal holiday calendar adequately reflects the nation’s historical milestones and that adding another holiday would be unnecessary or disruptive. Others may suggest alternative ways to commemorate the Allied victory in World War II, such as expanding existing Veterans Day observances or creating new educational initiatives.
Ultimately, the decision to rename Veterans Day or establish May 8th as a federal holiday rests with the United States Congress. Federal holidays, including their names and designated dates, are established through the legislative process, requiring the passage of a bill by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by the President’s signature. While federal holidays primarily apply to federal employees and the District of Columbia, individual states retain the authority to determine their own legal holidays.
Trump’s proposal has undoubtedly sparked a national conversation about the way the United States commemorates its military history and honors its veterans. As Congress considers these proposals, it will need to weigh the potential benefits of celebrating specific victories against the importance of maintaining an inclusive and unifying Veterans Day holiday that recognizes the service and sacrifice of all American veterans. The debate is likely to continue in the coming months, fueled by passionate opinions on both sides of the issue.
