Trump's Memorial Day Message Slammed as 'Grossest, Most Inappropriate' in History

U.S. President Donald Trump is marking his second Memorial Day as commander in chief with a planned visit to Arlington National Cemetery and a salute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

He tweeted a message to mark the day early Monday, which was immediately met with scorn for primarily celebrating his own accomplishments: "Happy Memorial Day! Those who died for our great country would be very happy and proud at how well our country is doing today. Best economy in decades, lowest unemployment numbers for Blacks and Hispanics EVER (& women in 18years), rebuilding our Military and so much more. Nice!"

The Atlantic's David Frum responded by saying Trump's tweet was the "grossest, most inappropriate, most self-flattering Memorial Day message in the history of the US presidency." A Bloomberg editor mocked his use of the word "happy." 

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Senator John McCain's tweet was cited as an example of what a Memorial Day message should be: "Today we honor the Americans who sacrificed everything to secure the blessings of liberty. Family and friends to some, heroes to all - who lived, fought and died for the safety and future of a great and good nation. God bless them and grant them perpetual peace. #MemorialDay"

Trump is set to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and is then expected to speak at a ceremony at the hallowed grounds across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital.

Accompanying the president at Arlington were Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The Associated Press contributed to this report