President Donald Trump announced the establishment of two new national holidays, naming May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II” and November 11 as “Victory Day for World War I.” Despite these declarations, Americans should not expect additional time off work.
In a Truth Social post, Trump outlined his justification for these new holidays, asserting that the United States deserves recognition for its role in both world wars.
“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.
However, the president clarified that these holidays will not result in additional days off. Trump remarked that the nation will remain open for business on these days, citing the already high number of holidays in the United States and noting, “We were Workers then, and we are Workers now!”
The designation of May 8 as a World War II holiday corresponds with “Victory in Europe Day” (V-E Day), a date already observed by various Allied nations to commemorate Nazi Germany’s surrender. Historians, however, note that World War II for the United States did not conclude until August 1945, following Japan’s surrender after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The decision to designate November 11 as “Victory Day for World War I” has stirred controversy, as this date is currently observed as Veterans Day, a federal holiday since 1938. Originally named 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, not just those from World War I.
In response to public concern over the potential renaming of Veterans Day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the administration is “not renaming Veterans Day… It will just be an additional proclamation that goes out on that day.”
Veterans’ organizations have voiced concerns about the president’s language, suggesting a renaming of the holiday. Changing Veterans Day to “Victory Day for World War I” would potentially override 87 years of recognizing November 11 as a day to honor all veterans, not just those from a specific war.
During his previous term, Trump issued a Veterans Day proclamation describing the day as a chance for Americans “to pause to pay tribute to all who have proudly worn our nation’s uniform.” His current announcement shifts his characterization of the holiday’s purpose.
The legality of Trump’s proclamations remains uncertain. Establishing official federal holidays requires Congressional action, not just a presidential proclamation. No executive order has been signed to enact these changes, and no legislation has been introduced to formalize these as federal holidays.
The United States already observes several military-related holidays, including Memorial Day on the last Monday in May, honoring those who died in military service, and Veterans Day on November 11, celebrating all American military veterans.
Despite Trump’s assertions that the U.S. lacks celebrations for its World War victories, the nation has held commemorative events in May, August, and September for decades. Former President Harry Truman, who was in office at the conclusion of World War II, proclaimed August 14 as “Victory Over Japan Day” in 1946.
The president’s announcement coincides with a period of heightened patriotic sentiment as the nation approaches 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 expected. Still, Americans should anticipate normal business operations on both dates, with potential ceremonial events to acknowledge the country’s military accomplishments.
