Trump praises fallen military heroes at Memorial Day ceremony: 'We will never, ever forget'

US President Donald Trump marked Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery by honoring 13 US service members killed during the ongoing war in Iran, linking their sacrifice to his administration’s efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

After laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Trump addressed veterans, military families and Gold Star relatives gathered at the cemetery.

“We lost 13 wonderful souls, wonderful, special people,” Trump said on May 25. “They (Iran) will never have a nuclear weapon.”

The president argued that sacrifices made during the conflict were necessary to stop Iran from developing a nuclear arsenal as the war approaches its three-month mark.

Trump signals optimism about Iran peace talks

Trump said talks with Iran are moving toward a possible long-term deal after a six-week ceasefire.

“Negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran are proceeding nicely! It will only be a great deal for all or no deal,” Trump wrote on social media.

Although Trump hinted on May 23 that a peace deal could be close, he later indicated that he had instructed negotiators not to rush the process.

The president reiterated during the ceremony that his administration remains committed to preventing a nuclear Iran.

Gold Star families recognized for their sacrifice

During his remarks, Trump paid tribute to the Gold Star families who attended the ceremony, thanking them for bearing the loss of loved ones killed in the military.

“God bless our fallen heroes,” Trump said. “We’re joined today by some of those they left behind — our incredible Gold Star families, incredible people.”

“To every person here and across America who holds on to the memory of the warrior that was taken from them, we will never forget the ones you loved,” he added.

Trump then asked Gold Star family members to “accept our thanks,” saying they had given “everything” to keep the nation going.

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Memorial Day associated with America’s 250th anniversary

Trump also linked Memorial Day to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations, stressing that honoring fallen soldiers must come before patriotic celebration.

“Before we celebrate the founding, we honor the fallen,” Trump said. “Before we celebrate triumph, we pay tribute. Before we crown victory, we count the cost.”

“Today we remember that there would be no Fourth of July without the American Armed Forces and no Independence Day without Memorial Day.”

Leaders pay tribute to fallen soldiers

Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Pete Hegseth, secretary of defense, also spoke to attendees during the ceremony.

Caine described Memorial Day as a daily reality for military families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

“Memorial Day is not the only date on the calendar” for Gold Star families, he said, but “literally every day.”

He added that the names of fallen service members are “woven into the fabric of our nation’s story.”

Hegseth mentioned the 13 soldiers killed in “Operation Epic Fury” while honoring America’s “fallen warriors.”

“May we live lives worthy of their sacrifices and boldly continue their fight for freedom,” Hegseth said. “May the Almighty God bless our warriors and the Almighty God bless our fallen and those they love.”

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, also marked Memorial Day with a message honoring Americans who have died serving the nation.

“America was built, defended, and protected by those who were willing to give anything for it.” Rubio wrote on X. “On Memorial Day, we honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and our freedom. We will never forget them.”

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