President Donald Trump arrived in Wilmington early Wednesday afternoon. After a short speech in front of a small crowd of supporters at Wilmington International Airport, his motorcade headed for the Battleship North Carolina.
While security officials kept watch from the Battleship, decommissioned in 1947 and now a war memorial and museum, supporters gathered in 90-plus-degree heat. It was an invitation-only audience of military veterans, state and local officials.
"It is my tremendous honor to officially designate Wilmington, North Carolina as our nation’s very first World War Two Heritage City. That’s a big deal. Our nation’s very first. Wilmington. Congratulations to you all. [cheers, applause]"
President Trump acknowledged Wilmington's role in the war effort, he pointed out those in attendance who served in World War II – including several decorated veterans in their nineties.
His remarks focused on honor, duty, and service, occasionally mixing with campaign themes of law and order and the need to end protests in American cities.
