President Trump marked Veterans Day in Vietnam Friday by spending time with seven U.S. veterans of the Vietnam War, calling them “great warriors” and a “national treasure.”
“You are the heroes who fulfill your duty to our nation,” Mr. Trump told the veterans. “And each of you, under the most difficult conditions, did what you had to do, and you did it well.”
The event took place at a hotel in Da Nang, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. The president is in the midst of a 12-day tour of Asia.
One of the veterans, Max Morgan, was among those thanking Mr. Trump for supporting the military and veterans.
“It’s an honor to be here as one of seven Vietnam veterans representing the 58,000 heroes who never made it home,” Mr. Morgan said.
Another veteran told Mr. Trump, “Keep doing what you are doing. We need to make America great again. And we definitely think you are on the right track.”
The president said of the group, “They are definitely tough, smart cookies.”
Mr. Trump said the U.S. won’t rest until all 1,253 veterans still missing in action from the war are recovered and returned home. More than 58,000 Americans died in the war.
The president also signed a proclamation commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, part of a tribute to troops that runs through 2025.
“One of my great honors is to present the people standing right behind me — great, great warriors and veterans of the Vietnam War,” Mr. Trump said. “Our veterans are a national treasure, and I thank them all for their service, sacrifice, and patriotism.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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