First Lady Melania Trump expressed her gratitude to approximately 1,500 Marines, sailors, and airmen for their dedicated service as Thanksgiving approaches. Her heartfelt address took place at Marine Corps Air Station New River, where she was joined by Second Lady Usha Vance and a group of enthusiastic service members who applauded their presence.
In her speech, Trump emphasized the importance of gratitude and unity, stating, “To every service member, thank you for your steady watch. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remember the things that bring us together: a shared love of country, our faith in one another.”
Before addressing the crowd, Trump and Vance visited on-base schools, interacting with students at Lejeune High School and DeLalio Elementary. At the kindergarten, Trump connected with the children, offering encouragement and a reassuring hug to a shy student. Later, she observed students engaged in craft activities, such as making turkeys, many of whom were wearing tri-colored ribbons indicating at least one parent was deployed during the holiday season.
Brig. Gen. Ralph Rizzo, who introduced the First and Second Ladies, noted the significant deployment of Marines and highlighted the importance of community support, stating, “These moments matter because they show our families that their services and sacrifices are seen.”
During the visit, Trump shared insights about the evolving landscape of military technology, discussing how advancements like autonomous helicopters and drones are transforming modern warfare. She remarked, “Technology is changing the art of war,” pointing out that military operations are increasingly shifting from human operators to human overseers.
This Thanksgiving visit underlines a profound recognition of the sacrifices made by military families, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for their contributions to national defense. As the holiday draws closer, such gatherings serve to remind everyone of the nation’s commitment to its servicemen and women and their families.