President Trump on Sunday honored Veterans Day and the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I by paying tribute to America’s fallen heroes and the friendship with France that was “sealed in battle.”
At Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial in France, Mr. Trump recalled that French and American troops “shed their blood together” to bring a victorious end to World War I.
Mr. Trump’s mournful speech contrasted sharply with French President Emanuel Macron’s remarks early in Paris where he took a swipe at Mr. Trump by condemning the dangers of nationalism.
“Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism. Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism,” Mr. Macron said in a dig at Mr. Trump’s nationalist “America first” agenda
At the American cemetery, where more than 1,500 U.S. service members from WWI are entombed, Mr. Trump did not fire back at his French host.
He instead exalted the enduing friendship between the two countries and the alliance that twice helped saved France from German occupation.
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“We fought well together. You cannot fight better than we fought together,” said Mr. Trump.
The bulk of Mr. Trump’s remarks were a tribute to the brave Americans who died protecting freedom on battlefields far from their homes.
“Each of these marble crosses and Stars of David marks the life of an American warrior — great, great warriors they are. They gave everything for family, country, God and freedom,” he said. “Through rain, hail, snow, mud, poisonous gas, bullets and mortar, they held the line and pushed onward to victory.”
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
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