Donald Trump honored the sacrifices of American soldiers Thursday — proclaiming that today, Friday, May 8, is now “Victory Day for World War II.” In a separate post, he also declared “Military Spouse Day” to honor the hardships and sacrifices made by the families of those serving the nation.
He posted the news about Victory Day on the White House official website and on social media:
May 8 was a deciding point in history, he wrote:
As we celebrate Victory Day for World War II – we celebrate America’s monumental triumph over tyranny and evil in Europe, led by the might of our Armed Forces and those of our Allies. On May 8, 1945, the iron grip of Nazi Germany shattered, and news of victory swept across our great Nation and the world, marking a decisive turning point in the history of freedom.
Our brave men and women defeated tyranny, the president wrote, and they must never be forgotten:
From the legendary storming of the beaches of Normandy to the frigid, hard-fought defense during the Battle of the Bulge, the courage of countless American soldiers carried the Allied cause across the deserts of North Africa and the forests of western Europe until the forces of the Nazi regime collapsed in ruin. Their sacrifice, together with the unwavering resolve of millions of men and women on the home front, drove tyranny to its knees and paved the way for the Allied powers to secure their resounding victory against Imperial Japan nearly 4 months later.
81 years ago today, the world celebrated V-E Day and the end of a terrible war in Europe. We remember the brave Americans who served in WWII and helped defeat tyranny in Europe. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/5HJIWIlUOu
— Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) May 8, 2026
The victory came at a great price, the president noted:
The fight for liberty came at a staggering cost. More than 250,000 Americans laid down their lives in the fight against the Nazi regime. Their heroic sacrifice reminds us that the sacred freedoms we cherish are forged in sacrifice and must be fiercely defended both at home and abroad. Let us remember them, and the millions of innocent souls who endured horrendous atrocities, and lost their lives, at the hands of national socialism.
Today is Victory in Europe Day.
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) May 8, 2026
On this day in 1945, Nazi Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allies, ending World War II in Europe.
We shall never forget the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied armies, who saved the world from Nazism. pic.twitter.com/DBAFDCz1Ry
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In a separate post, Trump paid homage to the spouses and families of our fighters. "Military spouses are vital to our national defense," Trump wrote. "Their unwavering support of the home front enables our service members to protect our homeland and defend our liberty."
On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we want to thank each and every one of our National Guard spouses for their unwavering support. You make it possible for our Guardsmen to remain Always Ready, Always There. pic.twitter.com/RiVB0Va7wb
— National Guard (@USNationalGuard) May 8, 2026
He said that his administration has worked hard to improve the lives of those who may not be on the battlefield but are still deeply affected. Still, he vowed to do more:
Trump pointed to policies from his first administration aimed at improving employment opportunities and flexibility for military spouses, including expanded remote work options and increased professional license portability across state lines.
"We made great progress, but more work is needed in employment, quality housing, affordable childcare, accessible healthcare, and education," Trump said, pledging continued support for military families.
It’s hard to imagine what the world would look like had America not been successful in beating back the scourge of the Nazis and Imperial Japan, but suffice it to say, it would be a very different place. On this 81st anniversary of Germany’s surrender, we must remember the sacrifice of so many and honor their memory.
Editor’s Note: Thanks to President Trump and his administration’s bold leadership, we are respected on the world stage, and our enemies are being put on notice.
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