Trump, First President at New York City Veterans Day Parade, Cites 1776 Defeat of ‘British Armada’

Nov. 11, 2019 (EIRNS)—This morning in New York City, President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, became the first President of the United States to attend the New York City Veterans Day parade in its 100 years, the biggest in the nation. The solemn ceremony at Madison Square Park involved the President’s short remarks, and the Marine Corps honor guard laying a wreath to the Navy hymn, “Eternal Father, Strong To Save.”  The ceremony closed with the playing of Taps.

In his presentation, Trump thanked the military, including naming certain individuals for their bravery. In his review of key moments of valor, in which he discussed World War I and II, it was notable that he began by citing the British as the enemy: “Since the earliest days of our nation, New York has exemplified the American spirit and has been at the heart of our nation’s story of daring and defiance.

“On July 2nd, 1776, the British Armada sailed into New York Harbor, numbering more than 400 ships and carrying more than 30,000 men. The British came here to snuff out what they thought was just a minor American Revolution. Didn’t turn out to be that way. But the Redcoats ... didn’t know that New York would meet them with the fearsome power of American patriots.”

Taking his history through Sept. 11, 2001, he spoke of the “unwavering spirit,” and “resolve deeper than oceans” of the American people.