Honoring Veterans at Arlington
A hush settled over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as the guard’s measured steps cut through the crisp November air—an annual rhythm of respect that anchors Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery. The official observance centers on a wreath-laying and a ceremony in the Memorial Amphitheater, traditions that honor the service and sacrifice of all who wore the nation’s uniform, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Arlington’s program is designed to be solemn and nonpartisan, with a clear aim: recognize veterans of every era and branch, as the cemetery and the VA emphasize in their public guidance. The national ceremony customarily begins at 11 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 11, aligning with the Armistice hour that ended World War I, per the VA’s Veterans Day overview.
How to watch: C‑SPAN carries the proceedings live and on demand, and Arlington’s official channels share updates as the event unfolds. Readers can stream coverage at C‑SPAN’s live page and follow veteran-focused explainers through the VA’s Veterans Day portal.
Trump’s Role at Today’s Observance
Former President Donald Trump appeared at Arlington National Cemetery to honor veterans as part of today’s national observance, as seen on C‑SPAN’s live coverage. His participation unfolded alongside the formal program run by the VA and Arlington officials, which centers on the Tomb ceremony and amphitheater remarks.
Trump has taken part in Veterans Day observances at Arlington before; he attended a wreath-laying at the cemetery in 2020 during his presidency, according to reporting by NPR. As with prior years, today’s appearance drew attention because national ceremonies at Arlington are among the most visible moments of military remembrance.
While the official program is managed by federal ceremony staff, high-profile attendees often greet veterans and Gold Star families on site. Arlington asks all visitors to follow its conduct policies to preserve the cemetery’s character as a place of honor and reflection.
Grand Forks Connections to a National Moment
For Grand Forks families with loved ones stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base and alumni in uniform, the Arlington ceremony offers a familiar cadence of salutes, taps, and silence that echoes across living rooms here. North Dakota is home to tens of thousands of veterans, a community the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs serves through county offices and benefits navigation.
Local ties run deeper on campus and in neighborhoods. UND’s Veterans & Military Services supports student veterans and military-affiliated families with academic and transition resources throughout the year. County veterans service officers, including in Grand Forks, help file claims and connect residents to health care, education benefits, and peer networks.
If you’re looking to engage today: connect with the Grand Forks County Veterans Service Office for one-on-one support; check UND’s events calendar for Veterans Day programming; and follow Grand Forks Air Force Base Public Affairs for base-hosted observances. Each offers direct ways to honor service through attendance, volunteering, or a simple check-in with neighbors who’ve served.
Quick links for residents:
ND Department of Veterans Affairs — statewide benefits and contacts
County Veterans Service Officers directory — find Grand Forks County VSO
UND Veterans & Military Services — student veteran support
Grand Forks Air Force Base Public Affairs — news and events
Perspectives and Reactions
Veterans organizations regularly stress that Veterans Day is about shared service, not politics. The American Legion frames the day as a time to honor all who served and to renew commitments to those still navigating life after service, a message echoed in Legion Veterans Day resources. The VFW similarly highlights remembrance and support for living veterans, pointing members toward community service projects and outreach throughout November.
Ceremonies at Arlington, by design, reflect that nonpartisan posture. The VA and cemetery staff oversee the official program, while visitors—including public figures—are expected to observe conduct rules that maintain decorum within the cemetery’s sacred spaces. Arlington’s published policies prohibit demonstrations and emphasize respectful behavior at the Tomb and throughout the grounds.
Political analysts often note that appearances at national commemorations can draw scrutiny in a polarized climate, even when the program itself remains nonpartisan. The consistent through-line from veterans’ groups, however, is a call to channel attention into practical support—connecting peers to VA care, mentoring student veterans, and recognizing the daily strain on military families.
How to Participate and Support in Grand Forks
Start local: consider attending a UND observance or a community ceremony, then follow up with a pledge to support veterans through the winter. UND’s Veterans & Military Services page lists events and ways to engage on campus. The Chamber of Commerce can also point you to veteran-owned businesses to support year-round.
For direct assistance or to volunteer, contact the Grand Forks County Veterans Service Office to learn where help is most needed—from transportation to appointments to benefits paperwork. If you’re a veteran or caregiver, VA’s Veterans Day page links to mental health resources, crisis lines, and eligibility tools.
Families may also want to explore federal sites offering fee-free access on Veterans Day, including national parks, according to the National Park Service. For many, a quiet moment on the Greenway or a call to a former unit mate can matter as much as a ceremony.
What to Watch
Official transcripts and any policy announcements tied to the national observance will post on the VA’s Veterans Day portal and Arlington’s channels. If additional remarks from attendees are released, we’ll update with links and context.
Locally, watch UND’s calendar and Grand Forks AFB Public Affairs for event recaps and upcoming winter volunteer drives supporting military families.
