During his State of the Union address on Tuesday, President Trump honored a diverse group of American heroes, spotlighting everyone from Olympic gold medalists to distinguished military veterans.
Early in the speech, Trump paused to offer a “big congratulations to Team USA,” praising the American hockey team for its victory over Canada in the Winter Olympics gold-medal game. He also announced plans to award goaltender Connor Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom, noting that the entire team supported the decision and agreed he was deserving of the honor.
Members of the U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team were recognized by President Donald Trump as he delivered his State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on February 24, 2026.
“I told them this and we took a vote of the team. I said, ‘If anybody votes no, I’m not doing it.’ So they stood there — and they weren’t about to say no — because I’ve never seen a goaltender play as well as Connor Hellebuyck. I think it was about 46 shots on goal,” Trump recalled.
“I just want to tell you that the members of this great hockey squad will be very happy to hear, based on their vote and my vote — and in this case, my vote was more important — that I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor, which has been given to many outstanding athletes over the years,” the president announced. “Great athletes have received it … I thought he deserved it.”
Thunderous chants of “USA” and sustained applause erupted after Trump congratulated the men’s Olympic hockey team. It marked one of the loudest ovations of the night, though many Democrats offered only brief applause.
Members of the Team USA Men’s Hockey Team waved to the audience as President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Trump also recognized the U.S. women’s hockey team, though the applause for them was noticeably more subdued than the ovation for the men’s squad.
The president then turned his attention to World War II veteran George “Buddy” Taggart, who will turn 100 years old on July 4.
Taggart “volunteered to defend America in World War II, serving in the Pacific under the great General Douglas MacArthur,” Trump said, adding that the veteran “fought bravely in the famous Battle of Manila” and was “badly wounded and nearly killed by enemy machine-gun fire in Luzon.”
World War II veteran George “Buddy” Taggart salutes as he attends President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on February 24, 2026.
Veteran fighter pilot E. Royce Williams reacts as President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on February 24, 2026.
“And 81 years ago this month, he liberated the largest internment camp in the Philippines, one of the largest anywhere in the world,” Trump said.
“Buddy earned many honors, including a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, came home, started a family, and tonight, he is in the gallery looking forward to July 4, 2026 — his 100th birthday,” the president added.
Social media users praised Taggart’s service and milestone birthday.
“The Spirit of 1776 runs through his veins,” Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC) wrote on X. “Thank you, Buddy!”
“This man is a natural-born patriot,” journalist Nick Sortor posted on the platform.
The president is also expected to honor 100-year-old Korean War veteran E. Royce Williams, a retired Navy captain who shot down four Soviet MiG-15 jets during a classified 1952 operation, with the Medal of Honor later in the evening.
