President Donald Trump participated this Monday in the Memorial Day ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery, where he laid a floral tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and honored the fallen members of the Army in Operation Epic Fury against Iran. He was accompanied by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine.
"We come together in solemn observance and with reverent hearts. We honor those who fell so that our republic could stand; those who died so that our nation could live; those who gave their sacred light on earth so that the sublime light of American freedom may shine forevermore," were part of Trump's statements during the traditional event.
The president also paid tribute to the 13 service members who lost their lives in the war against Iran. "In the Operation Epic Fury we lost 13 wonderful souls, extraordinary and special people. These incredible men and women gave their lives to ensure that the world's number one state sponsor of terrorism never has a nuclear weapon," expressed Trump, who then acknowledged the family of Ariana Savino, an officer who died in the conflict.
The words of Caine, Hegseth, and Vance
"Throughout the centuries, the character, courage, and commitment of the American fighter have never faltered, and they never will," stated Caine. "It is that same fighting spirit that we recently saw in Operation Epic Fury, and we remember and honor those who made the supreme sacrifice, adding their names to the history of American heroism. To the Gold Star families here present, and to those watching us across this great nation, we know that for you Memorial Day is not just a single date on the calendar; it is, literally, every one of your days."
