President Trump Makes No Remarks During Veterans Day Observance At Arlington

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President Trump attends a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, in his first official appearance since Election Day.





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It wasn’t until nearly 11:25 that the president appeared on a walkway in front of the tomb, where he stood alongside Pence in a steady rain. Trump walked toward the wreath, laid a hand on it, paused, and then returned to his spot. The ceremony was over soon afterwards. It was the only event listed on the president’s public schedule for Wednesday.

President-elect Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, attended a separate ceremony in Philadelphia, where they honored veterans at the Korean War Memorial. That event included several brief speeches by veterans, with Biden looking on. Like Trump, he did not deliver a speech.

The Bidens took part in a wreath-laying ceremony, carrying a wreath together that they placed it at the base of the memorial. After the event, the couple remained at the site to speak with other attendees.

Trump has refused to concede the presidential election to Biden, who has been declared to have captured enough electoral votes to win the White House thanks to significant leads in key states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan. The president is attempting to challenge the results with lawsuits, most of which have failed.





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The U.S. Marine Corp’s Iwo Jima Memorial near Arlington National Cemetery is seen as the morning sun rises behind the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument in Arlington, Va.





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In addition to coronavirus restrictions, Arlington National Cemetery says the amphitheater is closed for renovations; it’s slated to reopen to the public late this month.

Trump and several other administration officials did not wear face masks, despite Arlington National Cemetery requirements that state, «All visitors are to follow social distancing requirements and wear face coverings while on cemetery grounds. Anyone not having a face covering in their possession at cemetery entry points will not be granted access to the cemetery.