(NewsNation) — On Memorial Day, President Donald Trump honored fallen soldiers by placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery and thanking the soldiers and their families.

“In times of danger and crisis, American warriors have left their homes and families to serve their country. They made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their all so that we can live safely and freely.”

During his Memorial Day speech, Trump reiterated an earlier message from social media, shifting the somber occasion to critique the previous administration, describing America as a “Republic that I am restoring after four challenging years.”

He criticized Biden’s southern border handling before promising: “We will do better than we’ve ever done as a nation, better than ever before.”

Trump’s remarks came after a social media post wherein he wished Americans a happy Memorial Day, including what he referred to as the “scum” who spent the last four years “trying to destroy our country.” 

He went on to slam judges who have ruled against his policies and the Biden administration’s handling of the border, saying in part: “Hopefully the United States Supreme Court, and other good and compassionate judges throughout the land, will save us from the decisions of the monsters who want our country to go to hell.”

Trump lays wreath on Tomb of Unknown Soldier

Trump, flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, on Monday observed a moment of silence outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which holds the remains of a World War I soldier who was unidentifiable.

The party took turns speaking at the cemetery’s amphitheater to speak about Memorial Day.

“We gather here to honor our very best, gone in their youth. To properly to do so, we understand who they are and what they fought for. It is our simple duty to them,” Hegseth said.

Vance told gold-star families that their loved ones are heroes, praised the sacrifices of troops and emphasized that war must be cautioned against.

“They laid down their lives for Americans they would never meet, for generations yet unborn, for a nation that would not exist absent their incredible courage,” Vance said.

In a proclamation issued Saturday, the White House requested government officials and citizens alike fly flags at half-staff for the “sacred day of remembrance, reverence, and gratitude for the brave patriots.”

Saying “Happy Memorial Day” is considered verboten because the day is considered a solemn day to honor soldiers killed in service.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.