The US President, Donald Trump, has announced his intention to redesignate Veterans Day—known in the UK as Remembrance Day—as “Victory Day for World War I,” aiming to honor America’s role in the war.
The president additionally intends to designate May 8th as “World War II Victory Day” and mentioned this on his Truth Social social media platform.
The announcement did not come with an accompanying executive order, and it remains uncertain if he plans for May 8th to be designated as a federal holiday — a decision that falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress.
The first date signifies the conclusion of World War I in 1918, whereas the latter marks Germany’s capitulation to the Allies in 1945.
In his midnight posting, Trump stated that although many of their allies and friends were marking May 8th as Victory Day, they had achieved a triumphant outcome in the Second World War through efforts greater than those of all other countries combined.
“We won both wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything,” he added. “That’s because we don’t have leaders anymore, that know how to do so! So we are going to start celebrating our victories again!”
The VE Day commemorations taking place in the UK, France, Canada, and various regions globally this year signify 80 years since World War II officially concluded in Europe when Germany surrendered unconditionally following the capture of Berlin by Soviet troops.
Trump’s remarks are likely to spike ire in Russia, which celebrates the end of what is termed the “Great Patriotic War”. It is one of the most important holidays in the country and is celebrated by a massive parade.
Around 27 million Soviet citizens perished during the conflict, which for the Soviet Union started with the German invasion in July 1941.
According to statistics published online by the US National WWII Museum in New Orleans, about 418,500 Americans were killed in both the European and Pacific theatres of the conflict. Of the total, about 416,000 were military casualties.
Historically, the US has not observed VE Day. The nation remained engaged in warfare against Japan in the Pacific theater for several additional months following the conclusion of conflicts in Europe.
Veterans Day, which is called Remembrance Day in the UK, was previously referred to as Armistice Day in the U.S., intended to commemorate the cessation of hostilities in Europe on November 11, 1918.
Following World Wars II and Korea, it was rededicated to celebrate all U.S. military veterans. Memorial Day, observed annually on the final Monday of May, pays tribute to those Americans who died in combat.
Trump did not specify how he believes the two “Victory” days should be celebrated, although he has previously floated the idea of conducting military parades in Washington to celebrate the US military.
This week, the Associated Press revealed that the US Army has drafted plans for a parade to mark their anniversary on June 14th, which coincides with President Trump’s birthday.
This year also commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
- Soaring above Buckingham Palace on VE Day is humbling
- The hidden tale of the engagement that played a crucial role in concluding World War II in Europe.
- Over 1,000 racing pigeons get ready for VE Day
