Trump Lays Wreath at Arlington, Speaks in Baltimore

President Trump has laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery as he commemorates Memorial Day in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Trump was joined by Vice President Mike Pence and Defense Secretary Mark Esper. The president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier overlooking rolling hills dotted with white tombstones, the AP reports. Other cabinet members were also in attendance Monday, as was first lady Melania Trump. Presidents typically honor fallen military members by laying a wreath and delivering a speech at the hallowed burial ground across the Potomac River from Washington. But the pandemic has led to changes this year because of restriction on gatherings.

Trump later spoke at a ceremony at Baltimore's historic Fort McHenry, where the hoisting of a huge American flag to celebrate a victory over the British during the War of 1812 inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner." "Together we will vanquish the virus and America will rise from this crisis to new and even greater heights," Trump said. "No obstacle, no challenge and no threat is a match for the sheer determination of the American people." Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young objected to Trump’s visit, saying it sends the wrong message about stay-at-home directives and the city cannot afford the added cost of hosting him when it is losing $20 million a month because of the pandemic.

(More Memorial Day stories.)