Analysis of Trump’s Reframing of Veterans Day
On November 11, 2019, President Donald Trump delivered a Veterans Day address that signaled a significant shift in how the United States perceives its military history. Standing among the gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery, he declared, “The world was laughing at us like we were stupid people… they’re not laughing anymore.” This statement encapsulated a more combative and assertive view of American power and pride, framing the nation’s military achievements not just as historical footnotes but as sources of contemporary strength.
The heart of Trump’s speech lay in his proposal to rename Veterans Day as “Victory Day.” This ambitious move aims to honor U.S. military triumphs in wars ranging from World War I to modern conflicts. “From now on, we’re going to be celebrating Victory Day for World War I, for World War II, and frankly, for everything else,” he asserted. This shift emphasizes not just remembrance of those who served but also a celebration of success, reinforcing a narrative where military achievements supersede sacrifice.
By drawing comparisons to nations like France and Russia, which commemorate their military victories with national holidays, Trump underscores a desire to elevate the perception of America’s military legacy. He noted, “I saw that France was celebrating Victory Day, but we didn’t…we’re the one that won the wars.” Such remarks suggest he views the current observance of Veterans Day as too humble and not representative of the nation’s military achievements. In his view, America ought to project strength and resolve rather than modesty.
The concept of Victory Day represents a deeper ideological shift. Traditionally, Veterans Day, established as Armistice Day in 1919, has served as a moment of reflection and gratitude for service members, focusing on duty rather than glory. Critics warn that transforming Veterans Day into a celebration of victory could undermine the nuanced experiences of veterans and the holiday’s original intent. As military historian Charles R. Smith pointed out, “Changing the focus of Veterans Day challenges the bipartisan tradition of honoring those who served with humility rather than hubris.”
Trump’s assertion that the Department of Defense would be “officially renamed” back to the Department of War, even without supporting records, illustrates his broader strategy of reasserting dominant military terminology that aligns with a more aggressive image of U.S. foreign policy. His administration has heralded increased defense budgets, with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 alone allocating a staggering $716 billion. This expenditure underscores his commitment to a philosophy of “peace through strength,” which echoes sentiments from earlier conservative leaders.
While Trump’s rhetoric aims to foster a renewed sense of national pride, reactions to the proposal are mixed. Some see it as a necessary reclamation of American military might, arguing that a more assertive celebration of victories is warranted. Yet, skeptics highlight the potential for glorifying conflict over honoring the complexities of service and sacrifice. The traditional quiet observance of Veterans Day occurs in stark contrast to the grand parades associated with Victory Day celebrations in other countries.
Ultimately, Trump’s vision of changing Veterans Day to Victory Day reflects a desire to reshape national identity. It pivots from mourning and commemoration to a celebration of American dominance in military matters. As he skillfully employs strong language and imagery, he aims to convey a message that resonates both domestically and globally: America is no longer to be taken lightly, and the nation’s military is a source of pride rather than a subject of shame.
This evolving narrative has broader implications for American foreign policy. Trump’s rhetoric emphasizes a recalibration away from alliances based on mutual respect toward a doctrine built on strength. “They respect us. AGAIN,” he insisted, portraying a vision of the United States that commands global respect through military prowess. Whether or not Veterans Day undergoes an official name change, Trump’s speech undeniably marks a pivot toward a more triumphalistic view of American history and identity—one that prioritizes victories and strength over reflection and humility.
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