The War Room with Stephen K. Bannon

Episode #4918 | Veterans Day Special | November 11th, 2025

Overview

This special Veterans Day episode of "The War Room" with Stephen K. Bannon on Real America’s Voice focuses on the significance and history of Veterans Day in the United States. The episode features historical context, personal stories, commentary on the evolution of Armistice Day to Veterans Day, live coverage of the Arlington National Cemetery national ceremony, and reflections on honoring American veterans both past and present.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Historical Roots of Veterans Day

• Armistice Day Origins

  • Stephen K. Bannon recalls the origin of November 11th: initially Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in 1918.
  • The day was filled with hope as "the war to end all wars," yet, as Bannon notes and Keynes discussed, the Treaty of Versailles had unintended consequences, sowing seeds for WWII.
    • “What heretofore up until after World War II, was called Armistice Day because it was brought together by the living to honor the armistice that was supposed to end the war … the law of unintended consequences … was the foundation for actually what drove a greater and more destructive war.” — Stephen K. Bannon (00:54)

• America’s Role in World War I

  • Guest historian Patrick K. O’Donnell highlights how the U.S. emerged as a superpower due to its decisive involvement in breaking the Hindenburg Line, and how the horrors of modern warfare left deep marks.
    • “It's the American expeditionary force in 1918 that smashes the Hindenburg line and breaks open the Western Front. ... The front was a slaughterhouse of machine guns and gas and poison gas.” — Patrick K. O’Donnell (03:11)

2. Transition from Armistice Day to Veterans Day

• After WWII, President Eisenhower used his moral authority to shift the holiday’s meaning, making it more inclusive of all veterans rather than just WWI.
  • “We shifted in June 1, 1954, to Veterans Day to honor… all veterans who have served. And the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier... is sort of the ultimate recognition of that service for all veterans.” — Patrick K. O’Donnell (04:56)

3. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

• O’Donnell details the origins of the Tomb, including the movement to honor unidentified soldiers and the drama of bringing the remains home from France.

  • “The French are the first to commemorate the service of veterans... There were about 2,100 American soldiers that were not… there were unknowns in World War I. …a movement here in the United States to bring the boys home.” — (05:58)

• The selection of the Unknown’s body is recounted with reverence, paying tribute to American, and specifically Marine and Army, heroism.

  • “They lay several caskets… to identify an unknown soldier to bring home… that honor fell upon a young enlisted man, Younger… he’s one of the most decorated and actually the most combat experienced soldier.” — Patrick K. O’Donnell (07:00-09:00 approx.)

4. Reflections on Military Service and Political Leadership

• Guest veterans and Bannon discuss the recurring frustration that, in recent decades, troops often win on the battlefield but political decisions undermine victory.

  • “We win every battle on the battlefield. We win it all. The politicians take the victory away from the American people, not from the soldiers.” — Veteran Guest (12:37)

• Bannon pays tribute to the spirit and history of American fighting forces, referencing the transformation from a small post-Civil War army to the formidable World War I force.

5. Arlington National Cemetery and U.S. Memorials

• O’Donnell guides listeners through the significance of Arlington and the Old Guard’s role in guarding the Tomb. He recounts the ceremony’s evolution and anecdotes illustrating the solemnity and national healing associated with memorials.
  • “Arlington is the most sacred of all sacred grounds… it is during the Harding administration on November 11, 1921, that the tomb is commemorated. ... There are Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War forward that come, that line the streets…” — Patrick K. O’Donnell (35:24)

6. Veterans Day National Ceremony (Live Coverage & Speeches)

The highlights include:

• Paul Shipley (National Commander, AMVETS)

  • Reaffirms AMVETS’ commitment to fighting veteran suicide, homelessness, and MIA/POW recognition.
  • “We work tirelessly to prevent veteran suicide and veteran homelessness because no veteran should be alone in facing these struggles... We promote awareness, prisoners of war and missing in action issues, ensuring that no hero is ever forgotten.” (46:48)
  • Encourages practical support for veterans: acts of kindness, volunteerism, and advocacy.

• Doug Collins (Secretary of Veterans Affairs)

  • Cites VA improvements, faster care, and a focus on a "veteran-first" culture.
  • “The only thing that matters at the VA is that the veteran comes first. ... Veterans do not get anything from this country. They have earned everything that they are getting, and I am committed to making sure they will always have that.” (50:46)

• Vice President

  • Shares Marine Corps service experience and emphasizes a sacred obligation to support troops and veterans, calling on everyday Americans to show gratitude.
  • “Every single person who put on the uniform of this nation deserves our gratitude on this day especially. ... The most important natural resource that we have is that we have hundreds of thousands of young people every single month who sign up to put on the uniform and risk their lives for their fellow citizens. That is a resource we cannot squander.” (56:05)
  • Calls on citizens to thank veterans in tangible ways, e.g., a meal, a handshake, a call.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Opening rallying cry:

  • “This is the primal scream of a dying regime. Pray for our enemies because we're going medieval on these people. ... All these networks lying about the people, the people have had a belly full of it.”
    — Stephen K. Bannon (00:07)

• On the spiritual significance of Arlington:

  • “Arlington is the most sacred of all sacred grounds, Steve. Within the United States, it's just such a special and solemn place.”
    — Patrick K. O’Donnell (35:24)

• On veterans ‘earning’ benefits:

  • “I'm a little bit tired of people saying that veterans keep getting stuff. Nope, Veterans do not get anything from this country. They have earned everything that they are getting, and I am committed to making sure they will always have that.”
    — Doug Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs (51:59)

• Call to practical gratitude:

  • “If you find yourself at a restaurant this evening and you see somebody wearing a uniform, buy them a meal if you're able or buy them a beer. ... the very best way to do it is to make sure that the veterans know that we are grateful to them.”
    — Vice President (58:00)

Important Timestamps

• 00:54 – 04:21: Bannon and O’Donnell discuss the historical transformation from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
• 05:58 – 09:55: The origins and symbolic significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• 12:37: Discussion of the morale of current veterans and frustration with political leadership.
• 20:42 – 21:21: The history and duty of the Old Guard at Arlington.
• 35:24: The unique symbolism and history of Arlington National Cemetery.
• 45:05 – 46:48: Paul Shipley (AMVETS) leads Pledge of Allegiance and speaks about veteran priorities.
• 50:46 – 56:04: Secretary Doug Collins delivers remarks, emphasizing earned benefits and the VA’s mission.
• 56:05 – 60:04: Vice President shares brief, moving reflections and a practical call to action for all Americans.

Episode Tone

• The tone is contemplative and reverent, celebrating both the heroism of past soldiers and the ongoing duty to care for veterans.
• Bannon’s tone is defiant and passionate, especially when discussing political aspects.
• Guest speakers and ceremony officials express gratitude, unity, and a call to continued national responsibility.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This Veterans Day edition offers deep historical context, eyewitness perspectives, and live ceremonial moments that reinforce the solemn meaning of the holiday, making the case for honoring, supporting, and remembering America’s veterans each day.