WASHINGTON REPORT | NOVEMBER 11, 2026
Washington- President Donald J. Trump has officially proclaimed November 11, 2026, as Veterans Day, recognizing the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and calling on Americans to honor their sacrifices through community observances and expressions of gratitude.
In a proclamation issued November 10, Trump reflected on more than 250 years of American military service, connecting the nation’s founding, its involvement in World War II, and continuing efforts to defend national security.
The President used the occasion to highlight his administration’s stated efforts to expand veterans’ benefits, improve access to health care, reduce disability claims backlogs, and address homelessness among former service members.
According to the proclamation, the Department of Veterans Affairs processed a record 3.1 million disability claims this year. Trump also reported that the administration has reduced the VA’s claims backlog by more than 70 percent during his second term and opened 47 new health care facilities.
The proclamation places particular emphasis on veteran homelessness, with Trump declaring that no American who has worn the nation’s uniform should be without a home.
The President pointed to the establishment of the National Center for Warrior Independence, an initiative announced last year with the goal of housing up to 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028. He also stated that nearly 52,000 homeless veterans were housed last year, describing it as the highest annual figure in seven years.
Beyond housing and health care, the administration is pursuing changes intended to streamline access to veterans’ benefits and employment opportunities. Trump referenced an executive order signed in September to modernize data management and information sharing between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of War.
The stated objective is to reduce administrative barriers and accelerate access to services for former service members.
The proclamation also recognizes the contributions of military families, acknowledging the support provided to those who serve as members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11. Under federal law, 5 U.S.C. § 6103(a), the date is designated as a federal public holiday honoring the nation’s veterans.
Trump called upon federal, state, and local officials to display the American flag and participate in patriotic activities within their communities. He also encouraged Americans to remember veterans through public ceremonies, personal reflection, and prayers of gratitude.
The proclamation concludes with a commitment to preserving the legacy of America’s veterans and ensuring that those who served receive the recognition, resources, and support they have earned.
The Waterbury Times Washington Report
The full presidential proclamation is available below
VETERANS DAY, 2026
November 10, 2026
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
For over 250 years, the liberties and freedoms of every American have been safeguarded by the heroic men and women who have faithfully served in the United States Armed Forces. This Veterans Day, we honor our Nation’s cherished veterans and recommit to strengthen the support and resources they have so rightly earned.
From the battle for our independence during the Revolutionary War and the fight for the future of humanity in World War II to the ongoing battles to defend America’s security and protect her people, the countless veterans who have taken up arms have ensured that generations of Americans could enjoy the many blessings of our great Nation. These selfless men and women have committed their lives to defending our families, our freedom, and our great American values. We will never forget the price they have paid for our homeland.
As they sacrificed for our freedom, so too must our Nation ensure their welfare. At my direction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is restructuring to put veterans at the forefront of every decision. The VA processed a record 3.1 million disability claims this year. In my second term, we have also slashed the VA’s claims backlog by more than 70 percent and opened 47 new health care facilities, expanding access to world-class care for veterans in communities across our country.
Every American owes our veterans an eternal debt of gratitude, and no one who has worn our Nation’s uniform should ever be homeless. That is why I will never stop fighting until every veteran has the housing and mental health support and treatment they need. Additionally, I established the National Center for Warrior Independence last year with a goal of housing up to 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028. Last year alone, we housed nearly 52,000 homeless veterans, the most in 7 years, and under my leadership, every veteran who served our Nation in the Armed Forces will have a place to call home.
My Administration is working tirelessly to provide our veterans with the resources and support they so dearly deserve. As President, I have eliminated burdensome and needless red tape and ensured that every veteran receives the exceptional care they are entitled to. With an Executive Order I signed in September, we are also accelerating veterans’ access to benefits and employment opportunities through modernized data management and sharing between the VA and the Department of War. So long as I am President, we will continue to relentlessly expand veterans’ access to health care, education, and job opportunities and aggressively deliver this life-changing support.
Millions of brave men and women have served in the United States Armed Forces with heroic determination and sacrifice, safeguarding our security, prosperity, and sovereignty. Today, we are united in gratitude for the courage of our Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Guardians, and we thank the families who have stood with them in their service to our country. Through the unmatched prowess and strength of America’s veterans, the freedoms we cherish, our glorious American way of life, and the greatest country the world has ever known will endure for centuries to come. We will always uphold the legacy of our veterans and ensure our Nation remains safe, strong, and secure in the blessings of liberty.
In respectful recognition of the contributions our service members have made to advance peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation’s veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2026, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to reflect on the fearlessness and sacrifice of our veterans through public ceremonies and private thoughts and prayers of gratitude. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.
DONALD J. TRUMP
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