On Monday, President Donald Trump announced something that hit home for me: the establishment of two new national holidays to honor the ends of World War I and World War II—November 11 and May 8. “We won two World Wars, but we never took credit for it — Everyone else does!” he posted on Truth Social. “All over the World, the Allies are celebrating the Victory we had in World War II. The only Country that doesn’t celebrate is the United States of America, and the Victory was only accomplished because of us” (Fortune).
As the granddaughter of a Flying Tiger pilot who served in World War II, this moment stirred something deep in my heart. These aren’t just dates on a calendar—they represent lives laid down, battles fought, and a generation that chose courage over comfort. For families like mine, May 8 is more than history—it’s legacy.
As Fortune points out, “most banks, post offices, grocery stores, restaurants and retail chains will remain open” source. The stock market remains open too. That’s perfectly understandable—but it doesn’t mean we can’t pause and reflect.
Because here’s the truth: too often, we rush past the very freedoms that were bought at such a high price. We forget that the peaceful lives we enjoy today were shaped by the sacrifice of those who faced real evil and refused to back down.
Trump’s decision to spotlight these victories isn’t about politics—it’s about remembering who we are. It’s a call to gratitude. And as believers, we know how deeply that matters. Jesus Himself said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). That’s what our soldiers did. That’s what real love looks like.
So today, I’m choosing to slow down—to honor these two wars and to thank the ones who never asked for recognition, but deserved it all along. May this Victory Day stir in us a renewed appreciation—not just for what was won, but for those who were willing to give everything to win it.
