Statement

On this day 107 years ago, the immortal causes of liberty, sovereignty, and human dignity were secured in glory at the conclusion of World War I—one of the most extraordinary displays of U.S. military might in the history of our country. Today, we remember the sacrifice of every hero of freedom who shed his blood for the survival of our civilization, and we renew our pledge to always defend the needs, values, and interests of the American people first.

Following the first shots of World War I in the summer of 1914, the European continent descended into fiery chaos, dragging the western world into grueling and treacherous warfare. After a series of deadly German submarine attacks against the United States, in 1917, America righteously entered the war to protect its citizens, defend its interests, and secure the cause of peace—triggering a decisive turning point in the conflict and signaling the unrivaled strength of the U.S. Armed Forces to the entire world. Bolstered by the unmatched prowess of American industry, millions of young men courageously departed their homes and families to halt the Central Powers’ vicious reign of conquest and oppression.

On November 11, 1918, an armistice between the Allies and Germany forced tyranny to its knees, marking the triumphant end of one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. Over the course of the war, American Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines gave everything they had for the future of freedom. Tragically, more than 320,000 suffered casualties, but their sacrifices were not in vain. Without the heroic bravery of our American soldiers, the war would not have been won, and our world today would look drastically different.

From the Battle of Verdun to the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, from the Somme to Belleau Wood to Flanders Fields, the Great War marked a critical turning point for U.S. military strength, initiating the dawn of American air power, advancing battlefield medicine, and revolutionizing the nature of warfare and weaponry both on land and at sea. Today, my Administration is proudly upholding this hard-won legacy of Peace Through Strength. Since I took office, I have negotiated a series of historic peace agreements—including a deal to end the devastating war in Gaza—helping nations around the world move beyond longstanding conflicts of the past toward a shared future of peace, prosperity, and success.

More than one century following the end of World War I, we honor the valiant American Service members whose victory sent a resounding message to the entire world: No tyranny can topple the strength of the American military, no nation can compete with the power of American industry, and no adversary can withstand the unwavering vigor of the American spirit. As we approach 250 glorious years of American independence and continue the work of saving our country, we look to their grit, valor, and patriotism—and in their honor, we vow to never stop fighting for the sacred causes that sustain our Republic, our way of life, and our birthright of freedom.