After backlash from many for President Trump’s lack of appearance at Arlington National Cemetery on Veteran’s Day, he showed up at the cemetery on Saturday for Wreaths Across America, which is held annually in December.
Trump’s impromptu visit, amidst the rain, honored the fallen soldiers that have been laid to rest, Fox 31 News reported. Volunteers put a Christmas wreath on each and every grave.
A guide spoke as they walked by the gravestones and Trump appeared generally moved.
Trump makes unannounced visit to Arlington National Cemetery during wreath laying https://t.co/vYtmoSCMZI pic.twitter.com/k7dVnE4Jhc
— FOX31 Denver KDVR (@KDVR) December 16, 2018
There are some 1,400 cemeteries that observe Wreaths Across America on the same day. The goal is to honor and enlighten people about the sacrifices that the military has made for the freedom of this country, according to The Daily Caller.
The President said he wants to increase the size of the cemetery so that many more soldiers can be buried there for many years to come.
Trump commended all those who made the event at Arlington possible. He said, “They do a great job, a really great job. Thank you.”
First Lady Melania Trump also did her part with the military for the upcoming Christmas holiday, The Delco Times reported.
On Tuesday, First lady Melania Trump attended a Marine Toys for Tots event at the Joint Anacostia-Bolling Military Base located in southwestern Washington, D.C. https://t.co/RnrOJ41G3x@FLOTUS
— CBN News (@CBNNews) December 12, 2018
The First Lady made several appearances to various Toys for Tots military events. She attended Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling where the Marines held one of the events.
She spoke briefly and then presented around 100 children with numerous toys that had to be organized to send off to children in need.
During the event, the First Lady took the time to comfort 7-year-old Jackie Rodriguez, who was not quite certain what she was supposed to be doing. Then Mrs. Trump worked alongside the girl to show her how to get it done.
The little girl was excited she was able to spend that 20 minutes with the First Lady. Her parents, Navy Captain Jose Rodriguez and Nancy Rodriguez said, “It was a dream come true for Jackie.”
“She has been waiting for this day. She has been talking non-stop about meeting Mrs. Trump,” they added. “This is her Christmas dream come true.”
The Office of the First Lady stated, “The First Lady will be gifting 100 books to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. Since starting in 2008, the program has distributed over 39 million books to less fortunate children, helping to reduce the illiteracy rate among children. She will also give Be Best totes filled with a coloring book and White House candies to all the children that will be helping out at the drive.”
