In what can only be described as an incredible moment, President Trump invited 94-year-old veteran Allen Jones on stage to share a few words, and the retired sergeant ended up getting an open invitation to the White House.
The President called Jones to the stage during his speech at the VFW Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, Tuesday.
Jones has been a VFW member for most of his adult life, and it was noted that he had four brothers serve with him in World War II.
The veteran told those in attendance that he hoped his children were watching right now so they could see that “their dad got to stand beside the president of the United States.”
Jones stole the show and parlayed his appearance into an invitation to the White House and an autographed photo.
94-year-old #WWII vet Allan Jones says standing next to President @realDonaldTrump is one of the highlights of his life.
Says he hopes his children are watching and are proud.#VFWConvention #TrumpInKC pic.twitter.com/u5ddMVs6Us— KCTV5 News (@KCTV5) July 24, 2018
“Mr. President, I want to ask you something,” Jones said as Trump smiled. “I’m going to be 95 years of age on April 11 of next year … Hopefully, you will allow me to bring my family into the Oval Office to meet you.”
There was little hesitation in his answer.
“Yes!” he emphatically responded, eliciting raucous cheers from the crowd.
Pres calls 94 year old veteran Alan Jones to the stage, who asks if he can visit the Oval Office when he turns 95 next April. @POTUS agrees. Says he’ll be received “with honor.” pic.twitter.com/OMMuxZwQCl
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) July 24, 2018
Jones wasn’t about to let his opportunity go to waste. While he had the President’s attention, he added one other request.
“One last thing, Mr. President,” he said, revealing a photo he had taken while Trump was on the campaign trail. “I ask you to autograph this picture personally because this was taken with you when you were running for election as president of the United States.”
Trump immediately reached into his pocket, pulled out a pen, and signed the veteran’s photograph.
94-year-old veteran asks Trump if he can visit the Oval Office with his family before he turns 95 next April. @POTUS says absolutely, any time he wants.
— Gabby Morrongiello (@gabriellahope_) July 24, 2018
On the campaign trail, Trump spoke of his love for the military and promised that, if elected, he “would have a military so strong that we would never have to use it.”
He would later add a proposal to make the military so strong that our enemies would look at it and say, “No way we’re messing with that.”
Trump’s actions have also buoyed his words when it comes to our nation’s veterans.
In January, he issued an executive order directing resources to help aid veterans returning to civilian life. The administration implemented breast cancer screening guidelines for female veterans. And Trump has initiated critical reforms to the VA while enforcing strict accountability standards.
“Our veterans are a national treasure, and I thank them all for their service, sacrifice, and patriotism,” the President said at this past year’s Veterans Day speech. “To each of you with me today, you are the heroes who fulfill your duty to our nation. And each of you, under the most difficult conditions, did what you had to do, and you did it well.”
As for Trump and this veteran, in particular, the pair engaged in a hug before Jones left the stage, a truly incredible moment for everyone who witnessed it.
“This is a president that will have you in the Oval Office … with honor,” he said as Jones left the stage.
The President also drew cheers for his continued stance on respecting the National Anthem. (RELATED: President Trump Proposes Meeting With NFL Kneelers).
“We don’t apologize for America anymore. We stand up for America, and we stand up for the national anthem,” he told the cheering veterans.
.@realDonaldTrump: “We don’t apologize for America anymore, we stand up for America. We stand up for the patriots who defend America. And we stand up for our national anthem.” pic.twitter.com/Afigp5RlNt
— The Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) July 24, 2018
We look forward to reporting back on Mr. Jones and his family’s visit to the White House on his 95th birthday!
