Watch the video above to learn why thousands of veterans, union allies, and supporters are coming together on June 6. This short film connects today’s rally to generations of veteran activism—from the Bonus Army to the fight for burn pit care. Then, keep reading to learn how you can join us.
A Moment of Erasure
On May 1, President Donald Trump announced his intent to rename Veterans Day. In a late-night Truth Social post, he declared that the federal holiday would become “Victory Day for World War I,” claiming the change is needed because, in his words, “we don’t have leaders anymore that know how to celebrate our victories.”
This is not just a rebranding. It’s a calculated erasure of history—and of the millions of veterans whose service came after World War I. Veterans of Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and countless other operations are being written out of our national story.
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, established in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I. It was broadened in the 1950s to honor all who served, and made a federal holiday in 1968. For generations, November 11 has stood as a day of solemn gratitude for every veteran. Now, that legacy is under threat.
This isn’t just disrespect. It’s historical revisionism—an authoritarian move to rewrite the past to serve the ego of those in power.
So we’re taking the fight to Washington.
The June 6 Rally: Unite for Veterans, Unite for America
On D-Day’s 81st anniversary, thousands of veterans, military families, union allies, and supporters will gather on the National Mall for the Unite for Veterans, Unite for America rally. This peaceful protest, inspired by the Bonus Army of 1932, is grounded in the belief that veterans never stop fighting for one another.
We were already organizing before Trump’s announcement. On April 18, Military.com reported on our plans to rally in defense of the VA, federal service, and democratic values. Whether or not this news triggered Trump’s response, the timing is hard to ignore.
If the administration hoped to distract or divide us, it failed. It only made our message more urgent.
Dropkick Murphys to Headline
We’re proud to announce that Dropkick Murphys will perform a free, full electric set at the June 6 rally. Known for their working-class anthems and unwavering support for veterans and unions, the band will debut a brand-new protest song written specifically for this event.
This isn’t just a concert—it’s a call to action. And it will be loud.
From punk clubs to picket lines, Dropkick Murphys have always stood with the people. On June 6, they’re standing with us.
Schedule and Details
The rally begins at 2:00 PM and runs until 6:00 PM, with speakers including union leaders, veterans impacted by federal cuts, and public figures who have used their platforms to fight for our community.
Dropkick Murphys will a 30-minute set in the middle of the rally.
Interactive stations will offer ways to take civic action, record personal testimonies, and connect with fellow attendees. ADA-accessible seating, wellness tents, and cooling stations will be available. Come prepared, and come early.
View the full schedule and register for updates at: www.unite4veterans.org
What’s at Stake
Trump’s proposal to rename Veterans Day is more than symbolic. It reflects a broader pattern of disdain for those who served in conflicts he does not romanticize. This is the same man who reportedly called veterans “suckers” and “losers.” Now he’s attempting to codify that contempt into national tradition.
Vietnam veterans, post-9/11 veterans, and others have already endured decades of underfunded care, stigma, and broken promises. To now see our service erased from the nation’s highest day of recognition is an insult that demands a response.
Be There
This rally is for all of us—for every veteran who carried a rifle or a radio, for every spouse and caregiver who served in silence, for every federal employee who continued their service in civilian clothes. It’s for the generations who were promised they would not be forgotten.
If you can take the day off, take it now. Book your train. Catch your flight. Organize your crew.
June 6. Washington Monument. Dropkick Murphys. Veterans fighting back.
We’ll see you on the Mall.
Register and learn more at Unite4Veterans.org →
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