President Donald Trump paid tribute Sunday to American and French soldiers who died in World War I, wrapping up a two-day trip to France for a ceremony to the 100-year anniversary of the war's end.
"The American and French patriots of World War I embody the timeless virtues of our two republics,” Trump said during a ceremony at Suresnes American Cemetery near Paris. “Honor and courage. Strength and valor. Love and loyalty, grace and glory.”
“It is our duty to preserve the civilization they defended and to protect the peace they so nobly gave their lives to secure one century ago,” Trump said in a speech that lasted about 10 minutes.
Trump thanked military leaders and foreign dignitaries who were on hand to hear him honor service members “who shed their blood in a horrible, horrible war, but a war known as the Great War.”
The president also recognized six veterans of World War II who were in attendance. During his speech, Trump mentioned the "legendary Marines" known as the "Devil Dogs."
Looking toward his chief of staff, Trump said John Kelly, who served as a general in the Marine Corps, is familiar with the term Devil Dogs. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and several members of Congress were also in attendance.
On another matter, Trump praised a 13-year-old U.S. boy who traveled to Paris to attend the ceremony.
"Matthew is in the eighth grade, and he worked and saved all of his money for two years to make this trip to France,” Trump said. “He wanted to be here in person to honor the American heroes of World War I. Matthew, thank you. You make us very proud. You're way ahead of your time, Matthew."
Trump said he was honored to be a part of the “very beautiful” ceremony in Paris that commemorated the end of World War I.
"Exactly 100 years ago today, on November 11, 1918, World War I came to an end," Trump said. "Thank God. It was a brutal war."
According to the website history.com:
"Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime."
