President Donald Trump honored military veterans at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday using the annual Veterans Day ceremony to defend his administration’s ongoing military campaign against Iran.
The observance, which was attended by an estimated 5,000 people, began at 11 a.m.
He emphasized his desire for a “total victory, not a 93 percent victory,” stating that when the conflict concludes, the world will be a “much safer and better place, a more peaceful place.”
Trump Discusses Military Damage to Iran
Addressing the war that began in February, Trump argued that the U.S. did not initiate the hostilities, stating that “Iran has been waging war on America since 1979.” According to the President, the military campaign has inflicted significant damage on Tehran, asserting that it would take the country “25 years to rebuild back what we have destroyed.” He specifically credited the use of B-2 bombers against Iran’s nuclear program for preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
As one people, we say to every American veteran: we will NEVER forget your sacrifice, take your oath for granted, forsake your values, let our flag fall, or let our nation fail. 🇺🇸📸 Veterans Day 2026 at Arlington National Cemetery pic.twitter.com/pni0U0EqJy
Regarding casualties, reports indicate that between 18 and 21 U.S. service members have been killed, with 482 to 757 wounded or injured during the conflict. The President paid tribute to the 18 service members lost during the specific engagement known as Operation Epic Fury, referring to them as “18 beautiful souls.”
President Expands Support for Veterans
During the ceremony, the President pivoted to his domestic agenda for service members. Under his executive authority, he signed an order to expand options for cutting wait times and to establish the National Center for Warrior Independence, which is intended to house up to 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028.
“We come today to these hallowed grounds and rolling hills that hold the names of our great heroes etched in stone, to honor 250 Years of Service, Valor, and Sacrifice unsurpassed in allthe ages.” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/ezMKxDEtAp
Trump also highlighted reforms to VA home loan protections aimed at preventing veterans from losing their residences to foreclosure.
Recognizing Individual Service
The President recognized several individual veterans in attendance. Among those honored were 103-year-old World War II veteran Corporal Jack Myers, who is the last known surviving veteran of the U.S. Army’s 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion; Colonel Douglas Moore, a Vietnam War helicopter pilot who flew 1,874 combat missions and evacuated 2,782 wounded soldiers; and Afghanistan veteran Sergeant First Class Ryan Hendrickson.
Trump also paid tribute to Marine veteran Dale Garner, a survivor of the 1983 Hezbollah bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut that killed 241 American service members.
Vice President JD Vance, who served in the Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007, spoke to the crowd alongside Second Lady Usha Vance. “One of the most important things our veterans do is not just fight for their country; they fight for their fellow veterans,” Vance said.
Support for Secretary of War Pete Hegseth
The President also spoke of Pete Hegseth, whom he called the secretary of war.
Readers interested in veterans’ issues or the status of these programs are encouraged to consult official Department of Veterans Affairs resources or qualified professionals for specific information regarding benefits and services.
