Trump declares May 8 a national celebration for World War II victory
- Donald Trump has declared May 8, 2025, as a day for the U.S. to celebrate victory in World War II.
- Proposed changes raise questions about existing holidays like Veterans Day and their purpose.
- The declaration has sparked debate over historical accuracy and national pride.
In the United States, President Donald Trump has taken steps to reshape holiday celebrations related to the nation's military victories. On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, he signed a proclamation designating May 8 as a day to celebrate the victory of World War II, making a clear reference to the ongoing practice of many allied countries. This declaration coincides with commemorative events happening around the world on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which marked the surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945. Trump's proclamation honors the contributions of American soldiers during the war, expressing gratitude for their sacrifices and reaffirming the U.S. commitment to global safety and freedom. The idea aims to promote national pride, as Trump criticized the perceived lack of celebration of military achievements in the United States compared to other nations. Furthermore, Trump has proposed renaming existing holidays to appreciate the military efforts of the United States in both World Wars. Specifically, he called for May 8 to be renamed Victory Day for World War II and November 11 to be dubbed Victory Day for World War I, despite November 11 already being recognized as Veterans Day in honor of all American veterans. However, this concept has sparked debates regarding historical recognition and the implications for already established holidays. Critics argue that Veterans Day was originally created to honor those who served in World War I and later expanded to recognize all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. The challenges faced by Trump's proposal stem from the fact that Congress has the authority to create or rename federal holidays. While Trump has indicated his desire to establish a framework for celebrating these military victories and even suggested that some past U.S. leaders failed to acknowledge the nation's military contributions properly, he has less control over the legislative process associated with formally designating new holidays. This means any permanent change will require Congressional approval. As Trump seeks to