President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited service members aboard the USS Wasp, moored at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, on Memorial Day this year, and two service members were invited on stage with the President to say a few words.
Sailors and Marines enthusiastically greeted Trump as he took the stage after First Lady Melania Trump announced her husband.
Watch the event below – Trump brings up Marine Staff Sgt. Daniel Patterson at 12:38 and Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel Schaeffer at 21:00.
“I’m thrilled to be aboard the USS Wasp with the brave sailors and Marines of the 7th Fleet – special, special people, thank you very much,” Trump said.
“As President, I have no higher honor than serving as your Commander in Chief, and the extraordinary men and women of the armed forces,” he noted.
He spoke for a few minutes before calling up Staff Sgt. Patterson.
“Every single generation of Staff Sgt. Patterson’s family has served in the military all the way back to the Revolutionary War. But Staff Sgt. Patterson was the first to choose the Marines,” Trump said. “After completing two tours of duty in Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Patterson requested another overseas tour, this time he wanted to go to Japan. He knows what America needs, and what they need is daring and mighty warriors in the Pacific, and he is a daring and mighty warrior.”
“Say a few words, Daniel,” Trump said.
“It’s such an honor and privilege to be here with you, Mr. President,” Patterson said. “I definitely didn’t expect this. And it’s an honor and privilege to serve with my fellow sailors and Marines. […] And drive our mission forward that… we know why we’re here and we know what we need to address because, if we don’t, and we let ourselves just sleep on it for even a second, then we won’t be the ultimate power in the world. So thank you all very much.”
Trump later spoke about Pfc. John Schaeffer, a soldier who fought in Army Special Forces in the Pacific during World War II under Gen. Frank Merrill.
“Although Pvt. Schaefer sadly perished in the battle of Burma, his deep love of country endures in someone very special with us today – his grand nephew, Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel Schaeffer,” Trump said.
Daniel Schaeffer then came on stage and said a few words, too.
“Thank you Mr. President. This is amazing that you have recognized my family, but I know a lot of others have families that served, as well. Memorial Day is that time where we honor our fellow Americans who paid the ultimate sacrifice. So thank you, for all my shipmates and fellow Marines who are out here today, it’s a great day,” he said.
