Trump, Biden Pause to Mark Veterans Day in Different Wreath-Laying Ceremonies

By Tiziana Celine First Posted: Nov 12, 2020 11:22 AM EST

President Donald Trump and former vice president Joe Biden both paused on Wednesday to observe Veterans Day.

The president participated in an Arlington National Cemetery ceremony, while Biden visited a Philadelphia war memorial.

In a morning ceremony, Trump and the first lady laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the only public event on his calendar.

It was Trump's first formal public appearance since major media organizations called the presidential election in favor of Biden over the weekend. Trump has disregarded Arlington National Cemetery's mask requirement.

https://t.co/SHY5Hz66eJ — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2020

Biden and his wife, Jill, traveled to Philadelphia to commemorate the Korean War Memorial for the nation's soldiers.

In a tweet, the Democratic presidential nominee said that he feels the full weight of the privilege and obligation that the American people have entrusted to him as the next president. He expects to meet later in the day with transition advisors.

Today, we honor the service of those who have worn the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States. To our proud veterans—I will be a commander in chief who respects your sacrifice, understands your service, and will never betray the values you fought so bravely to defend. — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 11, 2020

Trump and his campaign team are moving ahead with legal challenges in many states questioning voting-counting practices, with no evidence presented that had demonstrated the kind of systemic voter fraud claimed by the president.

In Georgia, where Biden leads by nearly 14,000 votes, the Secretary of State declared a hand recount of all the presidential race votes. The step comes after he was forced by Republicans in the state to do more to examine charges of impropriety and fraud.

More generally, the administration is following the lead of the president in refusing to acknowledge the expected victory of Biden, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saying Tuesday that he expects a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.

Likewise, the General Services Administration (GSA) is declining to recognize Biden as the likely next president, delaying the formal kick-off of the GSA's process.

Biden said Tuesday that without the GSA's commitment, the transition could proceed apace. Still, he called Trump's refusal to admit defeat "an embarrassment" and indicated that it would not benefit the legacy of the president.

Lifetime free access to U.S. national parks for all veterans, Gold Star families

The Trump administration has provided life-long free admission for all veterans and Gold Star families to U.S. national parks ahead of Veterans Day.

Trump also declared November as the National Month for Veterans and Military Families.

"The Trump administration is committed to honoring American patriots - the men and women who have served in our armed forces," Interior Secretary David L. Bernhardt said.

To commemorate #VeteransDay and honor those who have served in the military, @SecBernhardt announced that Gold Star Families and Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces will have free entrance to national parks forever. Learn more at https://t.co/AzFJbBEOwv #DOIDelivers pic.twitter.com/I43ZWVuW1k — National Park Service (@NatlParkService) November 10, 2020

Veterans Day is commemorated every year on November 11. It is a tradition that started with the surrender of Germany when World War I ended on that day in 1918.

The day recognizes everyone who has served in the armed forces of the United States. It is marked by celebrations, military bands, and parades around the country in a typical year.

This year, activities in many cities have been canceled, scaled back, or moved to a virtual format because of the coronavirus pandemic.