Stand Up For Veterans — Don't Let Trump Erase Veteran’s Day

2,882 signatures toward our 30,000 goal

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Sponsor: The Veterans Site

Trump’s proposal to rename Veterans Day threatens to erase the contributions of all U.S. veterans—past, present, and future. We must act now to preserve this solemn day.

Stand Up For Veterans — Don't Let Trump Erase Veteran’s Day

President Donald Trump’s proposal to rename Veterans Day is a direct threat to a long-standing tradition that honors all U.S. veterans. Veterans Day, established in 1919, has been a day to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who served in every conflict—from World War I to the present day. Trump’s plan to rename the day "Victory Day for World War I" ignores the veterans who fought in every other war and shifts the focus away from honoring the collective service of all U.S. military members1.

The Importance of Veterans Day

Veterans Day was initially set to honor the end of World War I, but over time, it became a day to recognize the service of all veterans, regardless of the era or war they fought in. Renaming this day would erase the inclusive spirit of the holiday and risk diminishing the sacrifices of veterans from other conflicts such as Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan2.

Trump's Proposed Changes: A Narrowed Focus

Trump's proposal also includes designating May 8 as "Victory Day for World War II." While this may seem like a gesture to celebrate a major victory, it is critical that we do not lose sight of the broader context of military service. Changing the focus of Veterans Day could divide rather than unite our country’s veterans and ignore the contributions of those who served in more recent wars3.

The Urgency to Act

We cannot let this happen. It is crucial to preserve the name “Veterans Day” as it is, a day that recognizes all veterans, regardless of which war they served in. By signing the petition, you are standing up for the rights and recognition of every U.S. veteran. Act now and ensure that future generations will continue to honor all those who have served this country. Protect Veterans Day from becoming a day that only celebrates a select few. Sign the petition today and keep the name "Veterans Day" alive.

More on this issue:

  1. Leo Shane III, Military Times (May 2, 2025), "Trump plans to change Veterans Day into ‘Victory Day for World War I’."
  2. Alex Gangitano, The Hill (May 2, 2025), "Trump aims to rename Veterans Day ‘Victory Day for World War I’."
  3. April Rubin, Axios (May 2, 2025), "Trump's latest name change: Veterans Day to 'Victory Day for World War I'."
  4. Kevin Shalvey, Alexandra Hutzler, William Mansell, and Ivan Pereira, ABC News (May 2, 2025), "Trump says he wants to rename Veterans Day to 'Victory Day for World War I'."
  5. James Kay, VT (May 2, 2025), "Donald Trump reveals plans to rename Veterans Day."

The Petition

To President Donald Trump and Members of the U.S. Congress,

We, the undersigned, respectfully call for the preservation of the name "Veterans Day" as a solemn and nationwide day of observance. We believe that renaming this significant holiday would dilute its meaning and the deep respect we owe to the men and women who have served in all branches of the U.S. military.

Veterans Day, established in 1919, has stood as a moment of national reflection and gratitude, honoring all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is a day to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans of every war, conflict, and operation, from World War I to the present day. It is a day for families, communities, and citizens to come together to honor the bravery, patriotism, and dedication that veterans have shown in defense of our nation.

The name "Veterans Day" is important because it serves as an inclusive recognition of all military veterans, regardless of the specific war or conflict in which they fought. To change its name to focus on a single conflict or victory would undermine the importance of all veterans and diminish the unity that this day fosters.

Veterans Day is important not only to the men and women who have served, but also to their families, communities, and the nation as a whole. It is a day of remembrance for the sacrifices made, and an opportunity for the public to express their gratitude to the veterans who have shaped the history of our country.

We urge you to consider the long-standing significance of Veterans Day in its current form and to keep it a day of honor for all those who have served in the U.S. military. Protecting the name "Veterans Day" ensures that we continue to value and recognize the sacrifices of all veterans, regardless of when or where they served.

These actions will ensure a better future for all by preserving a tradition that unites the nation in respect for those who have served, while acknowledging the shared contributions of veterans from all wars and conflicts.

Respectfully,