Donald Trump Invites A Wounded Warrior To Lay A Wreath At Arlington

Donald Trump participates in a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Ceremony

Elizabeth Fraser / Twitter

President-Elect Donald Trump Participates In A Wreath-Laying Ceremony Prior To His Inauguration

Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States of America. The first of many celebratory events began today, January 19th, and will culminate with his official inauguration on Monday, January 20th. The festivities will include performances from various musical guests, including Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, Lee Greenwood, Parker McCollum, and more.

Prior to hosting the Make America Great Again Rally, Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect JD Vance participated in a traditional wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Ceremony.

Wreath-laying ceremonies are a solemn tradition in which the president of the United States, or the president’s designee, lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Presidential inaugurations are some of the few select occasions where the practice is observed.

Ceremonial wreath layings also occur during state visits of foreign dignitaries who wish to pay respect to the sacrifices of America’s veterans.

ARLINGTON CEMETERY, FORT MYER, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES - 2013/06/01: Guarded Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington Cemetery.
John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images

Trump Honors A Wounded Warrior In The Ceremony

Members of Gold Star families and a wounded veteran joined Donald Trump and JD Vance for the revered ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Gold Star families have experienced the loss of an immediate family member in active-duty military service. The title is intended to “honor the service member’s ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging their family’s loss, grief, and continued healing.”

Four wreaths in total were placed on the Tomb. The final arrangement was ceremoniously laid by a man who lost his right arm and left leg in combat.

The symbolic move reflects Donald Trump’s desire to honor military members and pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

After the ceremony, Trump’s motorcade moved to a separate section of the cemetery to a burial site for military personnel killed while fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.

See the video from the January 19th wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier below.