Trump hails fallen soldiers as ‘America’s best and bravest’ at Arlington memorial

President Donald Trump on Monday, May 26, 2025, honored fallen U.S. service members during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, calling them ‘America’s best and bravesr.’

According to the Associated Press, his address, while largely solemn and respectful, occasionally veered into political commentary.

Hr paid tribute to the “great, great warriors” who gave their lives in service to the nation.

Trump reflected on what he described as his role in restoring the country after what he called “a long and hard four years.”

Trump’s Memorial Day began with a controversial social media post written in all capital letters.

In it, he harshly criticized his predecessor, President Joe Biden, referring to him as “scum” and accusing him of attempting to destroy the country through radical policies.

Trump also lashed out at federal judges who have blocked his immigration efforts, labeling them as “monsters who want our country to go to hell.”

This sharply political tone contrasted with the gravity traditionally associated with Memorial Day.

At Arlington National Cemetery, however, Trump struck a more reverent tone.

Standing among more than 400,000 graves, he commemorated the sacrifices of the nation’s service members and highlighted the stories of several Gold Star families.

He praised the fallen for securing what he called “the freest, greatest, and most noble republic ever to exist,” adding, “a republic that I am fixing after a long and hard four years.”

He vowed to continue the mission of making America “stronger, prouder, freer, and greater than ever before.”

One of the service members Trump honored was Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent.

She was killed in Syria in 2019 by a suicide bomber while on her fifth combat deployment.

Kent, from Pine Plains, New York, served as a linguist, translator, and cryptologic technician alongside special forces.

Trump noted that she was among the first women to serve in that capacity and declared that “she did it better than anyone.”

He asked her family, present at the ceremony, to stand and receive applause.

Trump also shared the story of Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Elroy Harworth, who perished during the Vietnam War when his aircraft went down in enemy territory.

At the time of his death, his wife was seven months pregnant.

Their son, who was present and received cheers from the audience, later followed in his father’s footsteps and has served in the Army for 20 years.

Another fallen hero Trump remembered was Army Cpl. Ryan McGhee of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

McGhee enlisted after the September 11 attacks, inspired to become an Army Ranger.

He completed three tours in Afghanistan before deploying to Iraq, where he was killed in a firefight 16 years ago at the age of 21.

His mother was also in attendance.

Vice President JD Vance, speaking before Trump, emphasized the importance of honoring the fallen by exercising caution in military decisions.

He urged Americans to hold political leaders accountable, stressing that the lives of soldiers should be treated as the nation’s “most precious resource.”

Vance previously reinforced this sentiment during a speech to Naval Academy graduates,

There, he explained that Memorial Day is not meant to be celebratory but a solemn remembrance of those who died in service.

Trump also took a moment to look ahead, referencing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

He joked that missing a second presidential term meant he would now be able to lead the nation during its semiquincentennial celebrations.

“In some ways, I’m glad I missed that second term,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.

He noted other major events, including the upcoming World Cup and Olympics, saying, “Can you imagine? I missed that four years.

“And now look what I have.

“I have everything. Amazing the way things work out.”

Prior to delivering his speech, Trump participated in the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

He paused after placing the wreath, stepped back, and saluted as “Taps” played.

He was joined by Vice President Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Despite the earlier combative social media posts, the ceremony at Arlington was largely somber and respectful, focusing on the sacrifices of American service members and the families they left behind.

Memorial Day, Vance reminded the nation, is not for celebration but for remembrance—dedicated to those who gave all.

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