The White House has issued a formal response to Donald Trump’s proposal to rename Veterans Day, sparking controversy and debate.
Trump suggests a new name for traditional Veterans Day
President Donald Trump has stirred controversy with his recent proposal to rename Veterans Day.
He announced on Truth Social that he wants to change November 11 to “Victory Day for World War I” and May 8 to “Victory Day for World War II.”
“I am hereby renaming May 8th as Victory Day for World War II and November 11th as Victory Day for World War I.”
Trump stated: “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! We are going to start celebrating our victories again!”
This idea has drawn criticism from various groups, including the White House and veterans’ organizations.
White House reacts after Trump suggests new name for traditional Veterans Day holiday
Just a day after Trump’s announcement, the White House quickly responded.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made it clear that Veterans Day will not be renamed.
She stated, “We are not renaming Veterans Day. It will just be an additional proclamation that goes out on that day.” The exact details of this proclamation remain unknown.
Many veterans would be excluded from recognition.
Trump’s proposal would exclude more than 99% of the 15.8 million living American veterans.
This includes veterans who served in recent conflicts, such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
Current Vice President J.D. Vance, who served in Iraq, would not be honored under Trump’s new plan.
Critics argue that this exclusion fails to recognize the diverse experiences of American veterans.
The proposal also raises questions about Trump’s own military service.
He avoided the Vietnam War draft, citing “bone spurs,” a claim that has been challenged.
During testimony, his former lawyer Michael Cohen indicated that Trump’s reasoning was not entirely truthful.
This background has led some to view Trump’s proposal as hypocritical.
The historical importance of Veterans Day
Veterans Day has been known by that name since 1954. It honors all American veterans, not just those from the World Wars.
Critics argue that Trump’s suggested changes disrespect those who have served in other conflicts.
Allison Jaslow, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, emphasized that Veterans Day recognizes the sacrifices of all veterans, not just a select few.
“Veterans Day should be an acknowledgment of the ways that fellow Americans have served and sacrificed to protect and defend what we have in America.”
“It is not the veterans’ fault if we don’t win wars.”
Historical inaccuracies in Trump’s proposal
Trump’s suggested renaming also contains factual inaccuracies.
His designation of May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II” overlooks the fact that this date only marks Germany’s surrender, known as Victory in Europe Day (V.E. Day).
The United States did not conclude its involvement in WWII until Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945.
Furthermore, Trump’s assertion that the U.S. did more than any other country to secure victory in WWII has been met with skepticism.
Countries like Russia and the United Kingdom suffered enormous losses during the war and honor their sacrifices in different ways.
The roots of Veterans Day celebrations
Veterans Day originated in 1919 as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I.
In the 1950s, it was expanded to honor all veterans, becoming an official federal holiday in 1968.
The day serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of military service, regardless of the outcomes of the wars fought.
Veterans Day is about more than just celebrating victories; it is a time for reflection and recognition of the sacrifices made by service members.
Critics argue that Trump’s plan shifts the focus away from honoring all veterans to promoting a narrative of American dominance.
Social media reactions
One user said: Veteran’s Day is to remember the human beings, actual individuals that served and/or died protecting our country…NOT to claim victory for the country for winning a war.
The second user added: Speak up America.These veterans fought for our Freedom and should be remembered Hands off changes Mr.Trump.
The third user wrote: No! It’s veterans day wich he is not!!!
The fourth user commented: What a slap in the face of all of our real veterans by a punk who dodged the draft and has no idea what it means to serve his country!