Trump Says May 8 Will Be 'Victory Day for World War II'
He also wanted to rename Veterans Day as "Victory Day for World War I." As a Marine veteran, I'm tired of politicians treating our service like a political prop.
He also wanted to rename Veterans Day as "Victory Day for World War I." As a Marine veteran, I'm tired of politicians treating our service like a political prop.
President Trump wants to establish May 8th as "Victory Day for World War II" and previously suggested renaming Veterans Day as "Victory Day for World War I." Here's the problem: Veterans Day isn't about celebrating military victories. It's about honoring the people who served.
Honors all veterans who served, not just those who fought in winning wars
Recognizes sacrifice and commitment, regardless of war outcomes
Focuses on those still with us, not just historical military achievements
Remembers veterans from Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond
As a Marine, I'm proud of our military's victories. But that's not what Veterans Day is about. It's about remembering that real people put their lives on hold—and sometimes gave their lives—to serve something bigger than themselves.
"Veterans Day isn't about celebrating that we won wars. It's about honoring the fact that ordinary people were willing to serve when their country called. Whether the war was popular or unpopular, whether we won or lost, whether you served in combat or support—you answered the call. That's what we honor."
Changing the focus from service to victory sends the wrong message about what we value in our military:
Served with honor in an unpopular war. Under Trump's logic, their service would be worth less because America didn't "win" in Vietnam. That's insulting and wrong.
Spent years away from families fighting complex wars with no clear "victory." Their sacrifice and service matter just as much as any World War II hero.
Cooks, mechanics, medics, and logistics specialists who never fired a shot but kept our military running. Wars aren't won by combat troops alone.
Served during the Cold War, between conflicts, or in deterrent roles. Their willingness to serve when called matters, even if no shots were fired.
Instead of playing political games with veterans' recognition, let's focus on actually helping the men and women who served:
Expand state-funded PTSD and mental health services for veterans
Help veterans transition military skills to civilian careers
Address veteran homelessness with real housing solutions
Improve VA services and create state alternatives where needed
Veterans don't need fancy new holidays. We need leaders who understand what service actually means and act accordingly.
Veterans Day works because it's about service, not about politics or military victories. Keep the focus on the people who served, not the wars they fought in. Every veteran deserves recognition, regardless of the conflict.
Instead of renaming holidays, let's fix veteran suicide rates, homelessness, and healthcare access. Veterans need action, not symbolic gestures that divide us by which wars we think were "victories."
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