President Donald Trump has unveiled plans to sign proclamations creating specific days to commemorate World War I and World War II.
These new observances will augment, not replace, the existing Veterans Day, retaining its historical significance while adding specific days to honor World War victories, ABC7 New York reported.
On November 11, traditionally observed as Veterans Day, an additional proclamation will be issued, designating it also as "Victory Day for World War I." This day will continue to serve its original purpose of honoring all U.S. veterans, while also acknowledging the end of World War I.
In 1954, the government renamed "Armistice Day" to Veterans Day. It initially commemorated the end of World War I but expanded to honor all veterans after World War II and the Korean War. Various veterans groups advocated for this change, seeking more inclusive recognition.
Following this historical precedent, May 8 will mark "Victory Day for World War II," recognizing the date of the Allies' formal acceptance of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender in 1945.
The implementation of these observances, as clarified by the White House, does not signify a renaming of Veterans Day but rather an extension of recognition to specific historical victories. According to the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, "We are not renaming Veteran's Day. It will just be an additional proclamation that goes out on that day."
To become official, these days of observance require formal approval through legislative action, as noted by the Congressional Research Service. Establishing a federal holiday or national observance involves a process that includes passing a new law.
This legislative path outlines the necessary steps to ensure that the United States recognizes and observes such days, providing a day of remembrance and celebration of these pivotal victories in American history.
Trump expressed a strong sense of national pride in his statement regarding the new proclamations. “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!”
President Trump's announcement and the way he presented his views on past leadership and celebrations stirred various reactions from the public and veteran communities—highlighting different perspectives on what these proclamations might mean for historical commemoration and national identity.
With these proclamations, November 11 and May 8 will serve dual purposes: continuing to honor all veterans and specifically recognizing the victories of World War I and World War II.
This approach aims to enhance the cultural memory of these significant events in American and global history, ensuring they remain part of collective national awareness.
In conclusion, President Trump's initiative to designate "Victory Day for World War I" and "Victory Day for World War II" seeks to underscore pivotal moments in American military history. The new proclamations aim to complement Veterans Day, preserving its original intent while focusing on specific historical military successes. Congress must support and approve the formal establishment of these observances through the legislative process for national recognition.
