WASHINGTON— President Donald Trump honored America’s veterans at a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, thanking them for their service and pledging never to forget their sacrifices or let the nation they served fail.
“There was never any doubt that our heroes served a noble cause, no doubt that they gave themselves to a righteous mission, no doubt that they had victories and won,” he said Wednesday morning from Arlington. “The freedoms they preserved and the legacy that they secured have outlived them in so many cases. They’re looking down on us right now, and with God’s help, we will do things that we’ve never been able to do before.”
“Our country is becoming a far greater country than it has ever been before,” he added. “And so today, as one people, we say to every American veteran, the sacrifice you have made, we will never forget, the oath that you have kept. We will never take for granted the values you have fought for, we will never ever forsake the flag you held high, we will never let it fall, and the nation you served, we will never ever let it fail.”
Trump shared stories of American service members’ courage and sacrifice, recognizing veterans whose service spanned generations. He spoke of Cpl. Wilbur J. “Jack” Myers, who served in Company B of the 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion, attached to the 104th and 42nd Infantry Divisions in World War II.
Myers was one of 13 children and was drafted into the Army in 1943, training as a gunner. Trump recognized the 103-year-old veteran in person Wednesday.
WWII veteran Jack Myers, 103, reacts as he is recognized by U.S. President Donald Trump during a ceremony in honor of Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
The president also spoke of retired Col. Frank Arthur Athanason, who enlisted in the Army in February 1945 and was later sent to Germany at just 19 years old for occupation duty, commanding 200 African American troops near Nuremberg. He went on to serve in Korea, Vietnam, and Europe, and was awarded the Silver Star in 1951.
Trump also recognized retired Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Hendrickson, who served with the 7th Special Forces Group during a 23-year military career spanning the Navy, the Air Force, and the Army, including 12 years as a Green Beret before he retired in 2020.
In 2010, while serving in Afghanistan, Hendrickson stepped on an improvised explosive device that almost severed his right leg. After retiring, he returned to Afghanistan as a government contractor advising on counter-IED operations. His decorations include the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars, an Army Commendation Medal with Valor, and a Purple Heart.
“We thank almighty God for the noble warriors of the United States military, who have always stepped forward so that America might always stay free,” the president said on Wednesday.
“We pay tribute to all of those who have won the wars and worn the uniform, who face the enemy, who have beaten the enemy at every turn, who have borne the burdens of fate and destiny to stand as our protection in battle. You are, indeed, our protection in battle.”
A military honor guard stands at attention at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day in Arlington, Virginia, on November 11, 2026. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP via Getty Images)
The president, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and second lady Usha Vance participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Afterward, Trump, Vance, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins delivered remarks to the assembled veterans, service members, and members of veterans service organizations.
“The United States of America remains great because of those who have served and sacrificed, committing their lives to defending our families, freedom, and values,” White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales told The Daily Wire. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will always honor our veterans by keeping America strong, proud, and free.”
Other officials present included Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Todd Blanche, Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, UN Ambassador Michael Waltz, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, and FBI Director Kash Patel.
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