• Home
  • Mail
  • News
  • Finance
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Search
  • Mobile
  • More
Yahoo
    • Skip to Navigation
    • Skip to Main Content
    • Skip to Related Content
    • Mail
    Follow Us
    • Video
    • Deals
    • Music
    • Good News
    • Recipes
    • Tickets

    President Trump, first lady join world leaders to mark centennial anniversary of World War I

    ALEXANDER MALLIN
    ABC NewsNovember 11, 2018
    Reblog
    Share
    Tweet
    Share

    President Trump, first lady join world leaders to mark centennial anniversary of World War I originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

    President Trump and first lady Melania Trump joined a host of world leaders at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Sunday to mark the centennial anniversary of the end of World War I.

    The two traveled separately from most of the rest of the leaders attending the ceremony, who met up first at the Elysee Palace with French President Emmanuel Macron before making their way to the ceremony.

    En route to the event, French police tackled two topless protesters who were sprinting toward the president's vehicle, "The Beast," but it was unclear whether the president and first lady were able to see them.

    PHOTO: Cadets form the New York military academy wait near the Arc de Triomphe Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 in Paris. More than 60 heads of state and government are in France for the Armistice ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris. (AP)
    PHOTO: Cadets form the New York military academy wait near the Arc de Triomphe Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 in Paris. More than 60 heads of state and government are in France for the Armistice ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris. (AP)

    (MORE: 10,000-torch display in London marks 100th anniversary of World War I's conclusion)

    As their motorcade pulled up to the Arc in the pouring rain, church bells chimed across the city, marking the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the time of the cessation of hostilities in World War I.

    There was a series of readings and songs memorializing the end of the First World War, with more than 60 leaders from countries around the world standing together before departing for a lunch together at the Elysee Palace.

    PHOTO: First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Nov. 11, 2018. (rancois Mori/AFP/Getty Images)
    PHOTO: First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Nov. 11, 2018. (rancois Mori/AFP/Getty Images)

    During a speech in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the base of the Arc de Triomphe, Macron delivered a direct rebuke of nationalism, warning the leaders gathered that a "fascination for withdrawal, isolationism" contributed to the events that caused the Great War.

    "Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism," Macron said. "Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism."

    PHOTO: President Donald Trump, his wife Melania Trump, left, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel attend ceremonies at the Arc de Triomphe Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 in Paris. (AP)
    PHOTO: President Donald Trump, his wife Melania Trump, left, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel attend ceremonies at the Arc de Triomphe Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 in Paris. (AP)

    (MORE: President Trump, French President Macron address angry Trump tweet in meeting)

    Trump has recently brushed off criticism over identifying himself as a "nationalist," arguing that it's merely him advocating for putting "America first" in the actions he takes as president.

    "By saying, ‘Our interests first, who cares about the others,’ we erase what a nation holds dearest, what gives it life, what makes it great and what is essential: its moral values," Macron said.

    PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris as part of the commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the Nov. 11, 1918 armistice, ending World War I, Nov. 11, 2018. (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP)
    PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris as part of the commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the Nov. 11, 1918 armistice, ending World War I, Nov. 11, 2018. (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP)

    During his first and only extensive public remarks during his two-day trip at the Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial, President Trump did not respond to Macron's comments, instead stressing French and American unity during World War I.

    "The American and French patriots of World War I embody the timeless virtues of our two republics: honor and courage, strength and valor love and loyalty, grace and glory," Trump said. "It is our duty to preserve the civilization they defended and to protect the peace they so nobly gave their lives to secure one century ago."

    Russian President Vladimir Putin was in attendance at the lunch following the Arc de Triomphe ceremony, and Trump had said that if the two meet during their time here it would likely be for just a brief interaction at the palace.

    Upon arriving at the Arc de Triomphe, Putin made his way over to Trump and the first lady and shook both of their hands. He also delivered a thumbs up before taking his spot on the risers alongside the other leaders.

    Military officer Garcia plays the original Armistice bugle from 1918 under the Arc de Triomphe Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 in Paris. More than 60 heads of state and government are in France for the Armistice ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in (The Associated Press)
    Military officer Garcia plays the original Armistice bugle from 1918 under the Arc de Triomphe Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 in Paris. More than 60 heads of state and government are in France for the Armistice ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in (The Associated Press)

    Trump rankled some feathers in Paris on Friday when he decided to skip a memorial event at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial. He cited the rain grounding his helicopter as the reason for canceling the visit.

    PHOTO: Saint-Cyr cadets, center, pose with West Point cadets ahead of a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, as part of commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the Nov. 11, 1918, armistice, ending World War I, Nov. 11, 2018. (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP)
    PHOTO: Saint-Cyr cadets, center, pose with West Point cadets ahead of a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, as part of commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the Nov. 11, 1918, armistice, ending World War I, Nov. 11, 2018. (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP)

    Former Secretary of State John Kerry ripped the president on Twitter, saying, "Those veterans the president didn’t bother to honor fought in the rain, in the mud, in the snow - & many died in trenches for the cause of freedom. Rain didn’t stop them & it shouldn’t have stopped an American president."

    During his speech at the Suresnes Cemetery, the president joked with several World War II veterans in attendance who were sitting under a shelter as he spoke during a light rain.

    "You look so comfortable up there under cover while we are getting drenched," Trump joked. "You're very smart people."

    Trump called the cemetery visit the "highlight" of his trip. He is scheduled to arrive back in Washington Sunday evening.

    Reblog
    Share
    Tweet
    Share

    What to Read Next

    • At least 5 dead, 8 missing after New Zealand volcano erupts

      Good Morning America
    • Democrats call Trump 'clear and present danger' at final Judiciary impeachment hearing

      Good Morning America
    • 'Bachelorette' star diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder

      Good Morning America
    • 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife' trailer drops and Paul Rudd and McKenna Grace deliver the feels

      Good Morning America
    • Golden Globes 2020: Female directors snubbed yet again

      Good Morning America
    • This Olive Garden server is wowing diners with his stellar voice

      Good Morning America
    • ‘GMA’ Hot List: Adam Sandler reflects on the Oscar buzz surrounding his latest film

      ABC News Videos
    • Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez and more react to Golden Globe nominations

      Good Morning America
    • Twins dance and hug during ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ scene in ‘Toy Story’

      ABC News Videos
    • Beyonce talks 'pain and loss' and how motherhood is reshaping her priorities

      Good Morning America
    • Michael Douglas wishes father Kirk happy 103rd birthday: 'You are a living legend'

      Good Morning America
    • Olive Garden server wows diners with stellar voice

      ABC News Videos
    • 'Little Women' cast have high fashion moment at world premiere

      Good Morning America
    • Miley Cyrus shows off new 'freedom' tattoo

      Good Morning America
    • FBI director addresses inspector general report

      ABC News Videos
    • Russia banned from Olympics again over doping cover-up

      Good Morning America
    • Walmart Christmas sweater removed after complaints

      Good Morning America
    • Is 'Pitch Perfect 4' happening? Brittany Snow responds

      ABC News Videos
    • Trump impeachment hearings: Here's how the process works

      Good Morning America
    • Michel Symon's delicious veggie mac and cheese

      ABC News Videos
    • Is the Peloton ad sexist?

      ABC News Videos
    • This woman allegedly caught her boyfriend cheating through his Fitbit

      ABC News Videos
    • Director of Investigations delivers opening statement at impeachment hearing

      ABC News Videos
    • Miss South Africa wins Miss Universe 2019

      ABC News Videos
    • Castor delivers opening statement at impeachment hearing

      ABC News Videos
    • Dem attorney delivers opening statement at impeachment hearing

      ABC News Videos
    • Husband from Peloton Ad stopped by Strahan, Sara and Keke to discuss the backlash

      ABC News Videos
    • Woman to be world's youngest prime minister at 34

      ABC News Videos
    • Collins delivers opening statement at impeachment hearing

      ABC News Videos
    • Nadler delivers opening statement at impeachment hearing

      ABC News Videos
    • New trailer for ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ drops

      ABC News Videos
    • Tuskegee airman celebrates 100th birthday with plane ride

      ABC News Videos