Traditionally, Memorial Day weekend provides a respite from the divisive nature of modern politics for Americans. However, both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump were poised to seize the moment to highlight their contrasting appeal to veteran voters as the campaign season ramps up for the summer months.
Biden planned to partake in the annual Memorial Day service at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on Monday. Later in the week, he is expected to commemorate the ninth anniversary of his son Beau Biden’s passing with his family. Beau, who served as an officer in the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps during the Iraq war, passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
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Trump, on the other hand, was expected to attend the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race on Sunday. His campaign had not released his schedule for the Memorial Day holiday and did not respond to inquiries about his plans.
Presidents typically use Memorial Day to honor military families and spotlight their policies affecting them. In recent weeks, Biden has emphasized his administration’s focus on veterans and the military. Speaking at the West Point commencement ceremony, Biden praised cadets’ dedication to apolitical patriotism and democracy, subtly contrasting with Trump’s approach during his West Point address in 2020.
President Biden also traveled to Nashua, New Hampshire, to mark the approval of the 1 millionth claim under the PACT Act, a bipartisan law he championed to help veterans exposed to toxic chemicals. He shared a personal connection to the issue through his son Beau’s experience.
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In early June, Biden is set to travel to Normandy, France, for D-Day invasion anniversary ceremonies. Trump, on the other hand, has criticized Biden’s leadership and foreign policy decisions. Despite the contrast in their approaches, both candidates are vying for veteran voter support as the election season unfolds.
Veteran voters have historically leaned Republican, with 60% supporting Trump in 2016. However, Biden has been gaining ground, with 44% of military voters backing him in 2020 compared to 54% for Trump.
