President Donald Trump announced the establishment of two new national commemorative days on the U.S. calendar: May 8 as “World War II Victory Day” and November 11 as “World War I Victory Day”, as he shared on his social media platform Truth Social.
To recognize the role of the United States in the military triumphs of both world wars.
“Many of our allies and friends celebrate May 8 as Victory Day, but we did more than any other country, by far, to achieve a victorious outcome in World War II,” Trump wrote.
He added, “We won both wars, no one came close to us in terms of strength, courage, or military brilliance, but we never celebrated anything. That’s because we no longer have leaders who know how to do it. Let’s start celebrating our victories again.”
Historical Recognition
May 8, known as Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day), marks the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. This day is widely commemorated by European allies, while Russia celebrates victory on May 9 due to the time difference.
Although the United States holds commemorative and educational events related to World War II, there has not been a specific federal holiday until now to honor that triumph.
Meanwhile, November 11, currently known in the United States as Veterans Day, was originally designated as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I in 1918.
Over time, it evolved into a day to honor all veterans of the Armed Forces. Trump proposed that it also be formally recognized as World War I Victory Day, reviving the date’s original meaning.
Existing Commemorations
The United States primarily honors its fallen military personnel on Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday of May. This date originated after the Civil War but has since come to honor all U.S. soldiers who died in combat, including the hundreds of thousands who perished in the two world wars.
Additionally, while there are no specific national holidays for the victories in the world wars, ceremonies of remembrance have traditionally been held in May, August, and September.
These include events honoring Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day), celebrated on August 14 or September 2, depending on the chosen date of commemoration, marking Japan’s surrender in 1945 and the definitive end of World War II.
In 1946, then-President Harry Truman proclaimed August 14 as Victory over Japan Day, calling on the American people to observe the date “as a day of solemn commemoration of the devotion of the men and women whose sacrifices made victory possible, and as a day of prayer and firm resolve that the cause of justice, freedom, peace, and international goodwill advance with tireless efforts, inspired by the courage of our heroes of the Armed Forces.”
Reactions and Perspectives
Historians and political observers noted that while the United States played a crucial role in both world wars, the country’s tendency has been to commemorate the sacrifice and service of its military rather than specific victories—a focus that contrasts with other allied nations that celebrate victory days more visibly.
The announcement comes at a time when Trump seeks to strengthen his patriotic profile and appeal to voters who value national pride and the recognition of the United States’ historical military power.
The measure could also spark legislative debates if formalizing these days as federal holidays is proposed, a process that would require Congressional approval. For now, the designated dates will function primarily as symbolic commemorations backed by presidential proclamations, without immediate implications for the federal work calendar.
Image: Infobae
