Former President Donald Trump has sparked new controversy by proposing a dramatic change to one of America’s most sacred holidays: Veterans Day. In a recent post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump suggested renaming Veterans Day to “Victory Day for World War I,” urging Americans to “start celebrating our victories again.”
A Push to Reframe Historical Commemorations
Trump’s remarks emphasized what he called a failure to properly celebrate U.S. military achievements, particularly in World War I and World War II. According to the former president, the United States played a decisive and unparalleled role in securing victory during both global conflicts. He claimed that due to what he described as “weak leadership,” the country no longer properly acknowledges these historic accomplishments.
He went further by suggesting that Victory in Europe Day (May 8) should be renamed “Victory in World War II Day”, highlighting America’s role in defeating the Axis powers. “No other country contributed more to ending World War II,” Trump asserted.
Political and International Reactions
The proposal has already drawn strong reactions from historians, veterans’ groups, political analysts, and international commentators.
Critics argue that renaming Veterans Day, a solemn holiday meant to honor all U.S. military veterans, risks politicizing military service and distorting its original purpose. Veterans Day was created to mark the armistice that ended World War I, but it was expanded in 1954 to honor all American veterans—living and deceased—regardless of which conflict they served in.
There is also concern that the renaming could provoke diplomatic tensions, particularly with nations like Russia and European allies, who suffered far greater losses in both wars. In Russia, for example, Victory Day (May 9) is a deeply significant national holiday commemorating over 20 million Soviet war deaths in WWII. Renaming or repositioning U.S. holidays to focus solely on American contributions may be seen by other countries as historical revisionism or nationalistic overreach.
Veterans Groups Speak Out
Many veterans’ organizations, including the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), have expressed caution about the proposal. While acknowledging the importance of honoring military victories, they stress that Veterans Day is not meant to celebrate war, but to recognize the sacrifices of all who have served.
A VFW spokesperson stated:
“Veterans Day honors every American who wore the uniform. Changing its name to reflect just one war, no matter how significant, risks diminishing the service of millions.”
A Look at the History of Veterans Day
To understand the significance of Trump’s proposal, it’s important to revisit the origins of Veterans Day:
- 1919: Armistice Day is first observed on November 11, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I in 1918.
- 1938: Armistice Day becomes a national holiday in the United States.
- 1954: After World War II and the Korean War, Congress and President Eisenhower rename the holiday to Veterans Day, expanding its scope to honor all U.S. military veterans.
Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died in military service, Veterans Day is about thanking living veterans for their service, regardless of whether they saw combat.
A Polarizing Suggestion Ahead of 2024
Trump’s suggestion comes as he continues to shape the political narrative ahead of the 2024 presidential election, tapping into patriotic sentiment and national pride. For supporters, the idea of celebrating military victories represents a return to American exceptionalism. For critics, it’s an attempt to rebrand history for political gain.
Whether or not the proposal gains traction, it has reignited debate about how Americans remember war, honor service, and preserve history.
Final Thoughts
Renaming Veterans Day to “Victory Day for World War I” would represent a profound shift in the way the United States commemorates its military history. While it’s essential to recognize the nation’s pivotal role in global conflicts, many believe that Veterans Day serves a broader, more inclusive purpose that should remain untouched.
As the debate unfolds, one thing remains clear: how we choose to remember the past reflects the values we carry into the future.
