Honoring 107 Years of Sacrifice and Strength
Today, we reflect on a pivotal moment in history—107 years ago, the ideals of liberty, autonomy, and human dignity were etched into the annals of time with the conclusion of World War I. This conflict showcased one of the most remarkable displays of U.S. military power. We pause to remember the countless heroes who laid down their lives in the name of freedom, and we reaffirm our commitment to prioritize the needs, values, and interests of the American people above all else.
The summer of 1914 heralded the onset of World War I, plunging Europe into a maelstrom of destruction that ensnared the West in a relentless struggle. After a series of deadly German submarine assaults on American vessels, the United States entered the fray in 1917, driven by a righteous mission to safeguard its citizens and uphold peace—an intervention that not only shifted the tide of the war but also laid bare the formidable strength of the U.S. Armed Forces to nations worldwide. With the backing of American industry, millions of young men bravely left their homes, determined to counter the Central Powers’ oppressive ambitions.
On November 11, 1918, an armistice was reached between the Allies and Germany, effectively bringing an end to one of history’s most brutal conflicts. During the war, American Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines devoted their all to the cause of freedom. Though over 320,000 suffered casualties, their sacrifices were far from futile. Without the courageous actions of these soldiers, the outcome of the war would have undoubtedly shifted, and our contemporary world would be unrecognizably different.
The Great War, from Verdun to the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, from the Somme to Belleau Wood and Flanders Fields, marked a transformative era in U.S. military history. It heralded the rise of American air power, advanced battlefield medicine, and fundamentally altered the nature of warfare on land and sea. Today, my administration proudly upholds this legacy of “Peace Through Strength.” Since taking office, I have brokered several historic peace agreements—including a significant deal aimed at ending the protracted conflict in Gaza—thereby assisting nations in transcending age-old disputes and moving toward a collective future rich in peace and prosperity.
As we commemorate more than a century since the end of World War I, we pay tribute to the brave American Service members whose triumph delivered an unmistakable message to the globe: No form of tyranny can diminish the resolve of the American military, no country can rival the might of American industry, and no adversary can withstand the unyielding spirit of the American people. With 250 years of American independence on the horizon, we draw inspiration from their determination, courage, and patriotism. In their honor, we pledge to relentlessly defend the sacred principles that underpin our Republic, our way of life, and our inherent right to freedom.
