Donald Trump proposed renaming Veterans Day to “Victory Day for World War I,” claiming it’s time for Americans to start celebrating their victories again. He also suggested renaming Victory in Europe Day (May 8) to “Victory in World War II Day.” Trump argued that the U.S. did more than any other country in winning WWII and should celebrate its military successes.
Veterans Day, originally Armistice Day, was expanded in the 1950s to honor all U.S. veterans. It was declared a federal holiday in 1968, and now honors veterans from all conflicts.
The suggestion to rename Veterans Day has sparked criticism, with many questioning the need to change a holiday that honors all service members. Trump’s comments on WWII may also provoke international opposition, particularly from Russia, which honors the Soviet Union’s immense losses in the war.
