Me.

The useful part

Today is solemn, and the speeches by the former presidents reflected the introspection of the day. However, the current president and his cabinet made it about the current political situation. Trump and Hegseth at the Pentagon both linked the war in Iran to their ongoing military actions.

How it works

• Regularly delivered addresses honoring the Pentagon victims in the years immediately following the 2001 attacks, given that the Department of Defense was one of the primary sites struck.
• In Trump's speech, he made references to "domestic terrorists," and that made my ears pick up, since in the past Trump has labeled trans activists as terrorists.
• Formerly at remembrances at the Pentagon, the presidents didn't make it political.
• Spoke at the Pentagon ceremony on multiple anniversaries (such as the 11th anniversary in 2012), focusing on national resilience, community service, and honoring the victims and first responders.
• During his term, he also participated in Pentagon and Flight 93 observances, delivering remarks centered heavily on the endurance of American democracy and supporting military families.

Details worth keeping

Also delivered major addresses at the Pentagon during his first term (such as in 2017), as well as during subsequent anniversaries, using the platform to honor the fallen while emphasizing national strength and counterterrorism efforts.