President Donald Trump announced the creation of two new national holidays: May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II” and November 11 as “Victory Day for World War I.” However, these new holidays will not result in additional days off for workers.
In a Truth Social post, Trump elaborated on the rationale behind these designations, stating that America’s contributions to both world wars warrant recognition.
“We won two World Wars, but we never took credit for it — Everyone else does! All over the World, the Allies are celebrating the Victory we had in World War II. The only Country that doesn’t celebrate is the United States of America, and the Victory was only accomplished because of us,” Trump stated.
Trump emphasized that these celebrations will not result in time off work, noting that the U.S. has a sufficient number of holidays already. He remarked, “because we already have too many Holidays in America — There are not enough days left in the year. We were Workers then, and we are Workers now!”
May 8’s designation aligns with “Victory in Europe Day” (V-E Day), celebrated by Allied nations to mark the surrender of Nazi Germany. Historians, however, point out that for the U.S., World War II officially ended in August 1945 with Japan’s surrender after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The designation of November 11 as “Victory Day for World War I” is controversial since it is already recognized as Veterans Day, a federal holiday since 1938. Initially known as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all American veterans.
Amid public concerns about potentially renaming Veterans Day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the administration does not intend to change Veterans Day’s name, stating it will be an additional proclamation on that day.
Veterans’ organizations have voiced their concerns regarding the idea of renaming Veterans Day. Changing the designation to “Victory Day for World War I” would alter the long-standing tradition of recognizing November 11 as a day honoring all veterans.
During his previous presidency, Trump issued a proclamation on Veterans Day, describing it as a time for Americans “to pause to pay tribute to all who have proudly worn our nation’s uniform.” His current announcement indicates a shift in the holiday’s emphasis.
The legal status of these declarations remains uncertain. Historically, the creation of official federal holidays requires an act of Congress. Currently, no executive order has been signed, nor has legislation been proposed to formalize these holidays.
The U.S. already commemorates several military-related holidays, including Memorial Day in late May for those who died in military service and Veterans Day on November 11 for all military veterans.
Trump’s assertion that the U.S. does not celebrate its World War victories overlooks decades of remembrance ceremonies held in May, August, and September. Former President Harry Truman, in office at World War II’s conclusion, declared August 14 as “Victory Over Japan Day” in 1946.
The announcement coincides with a period of heightened patriotic sentiment and significant military anniversaries, including the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II.
According to White House sources, documentation regarding the official status of these new commemorative days is forthcoming. For now, Americans should expect regular activities on these dates, with possible ceremonial events to acknowledge military achievements.
