President Donald Trump is honoring America’s fallen service members on Memorial Day by participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary.
On Monday, Trump travelled to Arlington for the ceremony. Vice President Mike Pence and Defense Secretary Mark Esper also participated.
Watch the video below:
Pres. Trump participates in wreath-laying ceremony at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Memorial Day. https://t.co/shvQlsxQij pic.twitter.com/jbYo1VuV08
— ABC News (@ABC) May 25, 2020
Trump was also scheduled to visit Fort McHenry, near the location where Francis Scott Key penned the poem during the War of 1812 that became the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
But, the trip was not without controversy, Baltimore Mayor Bernard Young urged Trump to stay at the White House due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, Young wrote, “I wish that the president, as our nation’s leader, would set a positive example and not travel during this holiday weekend.”
He continued, “That President Trump is deciding to pursue nonessential travel sends the wrong message to our residents, many of whom have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus.”
However, White House spokesman Judd Deere responded in a statement, “The brave men and women who have preserved our freedoms for generations did not stay home and the president will not either as he honors their sacrifice by visiting such a historic landmark in our nation’s history.”
Mike Ricci, a spokesperson for Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), told The Baltimore Sun, “We are honored that the president and first lady have chosen to spend Memorial Day at Fort McHenry.”
He added, “Although Marylanders are encouraged not to gather in large numbers this year — now more than ever — it’s important to reflect on the American heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.”
