During a live segment from Normandy, France, on “Fox & Friends,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegses marked the 81st anniversary of D-Day. He reflected on both its historical significance and the future, as allied forces made a pivotal landing that influenced the course of World War II.
Amid the observance of bravery shown by World War II veterans, Hegses pointed out a rising sense of patriotism among the younger generation in America today.
“It’s historic. It’s definitely a shift in morale. We’re seeing it now, especially since President Trump took office,” he stated on Friday.
The Army has seen its highest recruitment figures in recent years, recording 61,000 recruits for fiscal year 2025, with four months still to go. That’s an increase of over 6,000 from 2024’s total of 55,150.
Hegses discussed with co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt, Lawrence Jones, and Brian Kilmeade the ‘incredible’ spirit in the US military, asserting that this positive shift is felt across various branches, not just the Army.
“It’s the Air Force, the Navy, the Marines, the Coast Guard, and, as the President mentions, law enforcement,” he added.
He emphasized that there’s a renewed eagerness to serve, underpinned by leadership that supports those coming into the military, saying, “We want you to be a warrior. We’re done with the politically correct nonsense. We’re training and preparing, getting back to the basics, and young Americans are stepping up.”
Hegses plans to speak at a memorial ceremony on June 6, 2024, at Sainte-Marie-Du-Mont, honoring the 81st landing anniversary.
He participated in the day’s events alongside military officials and veterans, commemorating D-Day. He kicked off the morning with a training session alongside 75th Ranger Regiment members at Omaha Beach, around the same time the first wave landed in 1944.
Reflecting on World War II soldiers, he noted, “These men were ready to charge into gunfire, facing immense odds, especially during that first wave.”
Recently, the Secretary of Defense also commemorated military sacrifices at Arlington National Cemetery, where he met with determined World War II veterans, more than fifty years later.
“The difference between a WWII veteran from a century ago and the 25-year-old Army Ranger I trained with this morning is striking. The spirit of fighting for freedom is still very much alive in American veins.”
