First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance joined forces again to bring pre-Thanksgiving encouragement to military families.
Trump and Vance visited Alabama’s Fort Rucker, an Army installation, after making their first joint appearance of President Donald Trump’s second term at a Marine base last year.
Their outreach to military families follows the example set by the Joining Forces initiative, launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and then-Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Biden continued the effort after becoming First Lady during President Joe Biden’s administration.
“I want to take a moment to say thank you to one very important group of people: the families of America’s military,” said Trump, who wore an Army-green jacket. “Your role is profound.”
“While your loved ones are deployed, it is up to you to keep your family strong, keep your children safe and keep your homes full of love,” she continued. “This is a big responsibility.”
Trump then urged Americans to remember the sacrifices made by military families as Thanksgiving approaches.
“To every American watching us today, in a few weeks, you will be sitting around your Thanksgiving table in the warmth of your own home, surrounded by your loved ones, sharing a wonderful meal and perhaps enjoying a football game on television,” the First Lady said.
“Take a moment to think of America’s service people and the families with an open seat at their Thanksgiving table,” she added. “Those families are just as important in maintaining America’s elite status and in protecting our freedom.”
First Lady Melania Trump asked Americans to remember the sacrifices of military families during her appearance Thursday at Alabama’s Fort Rucker ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday
First Lady Melania Trump is pictured departing for Fort Rucker in Alabama on Thursday, where she addressed military families alongside Second Lady Usha Vance ahead of Thanksgiving
Second Lady Usha Vance, left, and First Lady Melania Trump, right, arrive in Dothan, Alabama, on Thursday for their joint appearance before military families at Fort Rucker
Second Lady Usha Vance introduced First Lady Melania Trump at Thursday’s event at Alabama’s Fort Rucker
Vance introduced the First Lady, describing her as a “wonderful travel companion, which goes without saying.”
She also highlighted Trump’s work on behalf of children.
Trump launched the Be Best initiative during the President’s first term. Under its umbrella, she has since led Fostering the Future and Fostering the Future Together, programs focused on improving the lives of young people in foster care and helping children navigate emerging technologies.
“I know that the First Lady shares my passion for giving children every opportunity to thrive, a cause she has made the central mission of her public life, and that inspires me every day,” Vance said.
Vance also praised Trump as a “powerful voice for peace,” pointing to her efforts to help secure a temporary ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky and reunite Ukrainian children with their families.
Last week, Trump hosted representatives from Ukraine and Russia at the White House as she pressed for a broader peace agreement.
On Thursday, however, the focus was on the children and parents of deployed service members.
“I know each of you has those quiet moments when you are on your own and you wish your loved one was home to help with homework, to be there to celebrate that winning touchdown, the birthdays, and, of course … bedtime,” Trump said.
First Lady Melania Trump is escorted from a helicopter after arriving Thursday at Fort Rucker in Alabama alongside Second Lady Usha Vance
First Lady Melania Trump, right, poses for a selfie during Thursday’s event at Fort Rucker in Alabama
First Lady Melania Trump waves to the crowd as she arrives Thursday at Fort Rucker, an Army base outside Dothan, Alabama
“The sacrifices of military families don’t make the headlines, but you are the foundation of the world’s most capable military,” she said.
“Visiting military bases is special to me,” Trump added.
The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers for the two spouses.
Following their remarks, Trump and Vance visited Ellis D. Parker Elementary School, located on the base about 20 miles outside Dothan, Alabama.
According to the First Lady’s office, they met with kindergarten and first-grade students.