First Lady Remarks on Love of Country and Family to Armed Forces

White House: Briefings & Statements

Published February 13th, 2026

Detected February 14th, 2026

Summary

First Lady Melania Trump delivered remarks to military families and service members at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on February 13, 2026. She spoke about the historical significance of love letters in symbolizing patriotism and family devotion within the U.S. military community.

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What changed

First Lady Melania Trump delivered remarks at Pope Army Airfield and Fort Bragg on February 13, 2026, focusing on the theme of love of country and family within the U.S. Armed Forces. She highlighted the historical role of love letters in symbolizing the union of patriotism and family devotion among soldiers for 250 years, emphasizing this balance as a source of strength for the military and communities.

This document is a statement of remarks and does not impose new regulatory requirements or deadlines. It serves as an informational notice recognizing the service members and their families. No specific compliance actions are required for regulated entities.

Source document (simplified)

Office of the First Lady

First Lady Melania Trump Embraces Love of Country & Family to United States Armed Forces

The White House

February 13, 2026

First Lady Melania Trump shared a nostalgia-filled message about the role love letters have played in America’s military community in her remarks to military families and service members at Pope Army Airfield and Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

Mrs. Trump said, “Love letters have symbolized the union of patriotism and family devotion among our soldiers for 250 years. The harmony of love of country and love of family is what makes us uniquely American. It is this very balance which strengthens our military and builds our communities.”

President Trump and the First Lady joined the military and their families at Fort Bragg and Pope Army Airfield the day before Valentine’s Day. The First Lady added, “The President and I are grateful to be with you—to honor the passion you share through unmatched bravery, resilience, and service to our great Nation.”

President Trump and the First Lady saluted military families and the heroic members of the United States Army Special Forces who carried out the successful mission in Venezuela to bring Nicolas Maduro to justice. First Lady Melania Trump has long been an ardent supporter of America’s military.

Full Remarks by First Lady Melania Trump (As Prepared for Delivery)

On Love of Country and Love of Family

Good afternoon and thank you for your warm welcome.

The President and I are grateful to be with you—to honor the passion you share through unmatched bravery, resilience, and service to our great Nation.

Thank you for defending our freedom.

It is with immense pleasure for me to address the Fort Bragg and Pope Army Airfield community today. To our great armed forces of the United States stationed all over the world, I have a nostalgia-filled message: Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love letters have symbolized the union of patriotism and family devotion among our soldiers for 250 years. The harmony of love of country and love of family is what makes us uniquely American. It is this very balance which strengthens our military and builds our communities.

And now, it is my distinct honor to introduce your Commander-in-Chief—our leader who maintains a mission of peace through strength—President Donald J. Trump.