WASHINGTON— President Donald Trump booked back-to-back Memorial Day appearances amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump first participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. He was joined by first lady Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, his defense secretary and other cabinet members
The president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier overlooking rolling hills dotted with white tombstones.
Presidents typically honor fallen military members by laying a wreath and delivering a speech at the hallowed burial ground across the Potomac River from Washington. But the pandemic has led to changes this year because of restriction on gatherings.
Watch the ceremony below:
Next, the president headed to Baltimore to speak at the Fort McHenry National Monument. It’s where the hoisting of a huge American flag to celebrate an important victory over the British during the War of 1812 inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Watch the Baltimore event below:
Baltimore's mayor is unhappy about Trump's visit, saying it sets a bad example when many residents have been told to limit travel.
Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young also says the city can't afford the cost of a presidential visit when city revenue is declining because of the virus outbreak.
