'Hand of Providence': 7 top moments in Trump's State of the Union address marking nation's 250th anniversary
2. Trump honors WWII vet, soldier who rescued over 100 people from deadly Texas floods
As Trump reflected on the upcoming celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, he said: “This will be a year to celebrate our country and the heroes who have kept it free, men like Buddy Taggart.”
“At age 17, Buddy volunteered to defend America in World War II, serving in the Pacific under the great Gen. Douglas MacArthur,” Trump explained. “Eighty-one years ago this month, he liberated the largest internment camps in the Philippines, one of the largest anywhere in the world. 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.”
Taggart, who was seated in the House Gallery, stood up and saluted the president as the crowd erupted into applause.
Trump then highlighted the presence of another guest, whom he said was reflective of how “the spirit of 1776 has always shone through very brightly.”
“It was July 4 of last year when floodwaters tore through a girls’ summer camp in central Texas, one of the worst things I’ve ever seen,” he added. “As the waters threatened to sweep her away, 11-year-old Milly Kate McClymond closed her eyes and prayed to God. She thought she was going to die. Those prayers were answered when Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskin descended from a helicopter above. Nobody knew where he came from.”
Trump detailed how Ruskin rescued McClymond and “164 others” from the floodwaters. He highlighted the presence of both Ruskin and McClaymond in the House Gallery, identifying the occasion as their first time reuniting since the rescue.
After Ruskin and McClymond gave each other a fist bump in the House gallery, the president informed Ruskin of his plans to award him the Legion of Merit for Extraordinary Heroism. A military aide placed the Legion of Merit on Ruskin during the speech.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com
