Since 1971 Americans have observed Memorial Day—a day meant to honor the people who have lost their lives fighting in the U.S. military. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, or participating in parades. Donald Trump kicked off his Memorial Day on Twitter.
Let’s break down this self-congratulatory tweet, shoddily disguised by the president as a tweet observing Memorial Day and not one observing Trump’s massive ego.
1. “Happy Memorial Day.”
First of all, don’t wish people a “Happy Memorial Day.” Memorial Day isn’t happy. It’s a somber day or remembrance. Despite many people who view it as an extra day off, it truthfully is a day meant to honor the greatest sacrifice someone can make for their country—giving their life.
2. “Those who died would be very happy and proud of how well our country is doing today.”
Ah, here comes the self-congratulations in the second sentence. Without a doubt, many in our military who died for our democracy would, in fact, be disgusted by the fascism that Trump is working to instill at the highest level of government. But the point is that Trump doesn’t get to insert words into the mouths of dead soldiers. He should be inserting praise and appreciation into their legacies.
3. “Best economy in decades, lowest unemployment numbers for Blacks and Hispanics EVER (& women in 18years), rebuilding our Military and so much more. Nice!"
First of all, I imagine that families who have actually lost a loved one in the military don’t find anything ‘nice’ about the sad day or Trump’s egregious attempt at honoring it. 2.2 million workers work with wages at or below the federal minimum wage ($7.25), Trump is working hard to ban transgender soldiers from the military, and the only thing that Trump is thinking about in relationship to women and 18 years has nothing to do with unemployment. But nice try.
There is nothing inspiring about our narcissistic president. He is not a man who can comfort our country in hard times or motivate us to be better more appreciative citizens on days like Memorial Day. He is a man who thinks solely of himself and in doing so managed to become president. We can add this tweet to the ever-growing list of missteps by man who has been tripping over himself since he took office.
Take a look at how other politicians marked the day: