In a new social media post on May 1, former President Donald Trump shared a bold idea. He wants to rename Veterans Day to “Victory Day for World War I.” He also wants to officially recognize May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II.”
Trump shared his thoughts on Truth Social, writing, “We are going to start celebrating our victories again!”
His post quickly drew reactions from both supporters and critics. Many are now wondering what this change would mean and why he suggested it in the first place.
Why Does Trump Want to Rename Veterans Day?
Trump said he believes America should celebrate its victories more. In his post, he claimed the U.S. doesn’t do enough to honor its wins in the world wars.
He wrote, “We won both Wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything.”
Trump wants November 11, which is currently Veterans Day, to become Victory Day for World War I. He also wants May 8 to become a new federal holiday called Victory Day for World War II.
May 8 is already known in Europe as Victory in Europe Day or VE Day. It marks the day Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allied forces in 1945. But in the U.S., it’s not a public holiday.
According to the Department of Defense, VE Day was a major moment in history. But in the U.S., the focus has mostly remained on November 11.
Veterans Day honors all American veterans. It marks the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, even though the war officially ended months later with the Treaty of Versailles.
That armistice day became the reason why Veterans Day is celebrated every year on November 11, no matter what day of the week it falls on.
Could These Changes Actually Happen?
Right now, it’s just a proposal from Trump. For anything to change officially, Congress and other government leaders would have to agree.
Veterans Day is one of 11 official federal holidays, according to the Office of Personnel Management. Changing the name would likely spark big debates in both politics and the public.
Some Americans may support the idea, especially veterans who fought in the world wars. Others may feel that Veterans Day should stay as a day to honor all veterans, not just those from WWI.
The Department of Veterans Affairs says the holiday is meant to honor all who served, no matter the war or time period.
Trump seems to be pushing for something more specific. A holiday that focuses more on America’s military victories, rather than just service in general.
In his post, he also criticized today’s leadership, saying, “We don’t have leaders anymore that know how to do so!”
