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Melania Trump vs Jill Biden: From mask to outfit, Veterans Day sees different styles from FLOTUS and successor

Melania donned a textured, knit black and gray coat dress for the solemn occasion and went maskles

The present and the future first ladies, Melania Trump and Jill Biden, both commemorated Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, with their respective spouses in two separate events. Apart from the varying moods demonstrated at the events, the choice of outfits of the two FLOTUS also was starkly contrasting.

Melania braved the rain to participate in the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, for the observance of Veterans Day with her husband, who was seen for the first time in a public event after ending up on the losing side in the 2020 election. Like her spouse, she chose not to wear a face-covering at the event. As for her outfit, she donned a textured, black and gray coat dress for the solemn occasion.

Trump did not deliver a speech at the event, opting to stand in the rain beside Vice President Mike Pence, who also was among the attendees, as the national anthem was played. After that, he stepped forward to touch the ceremonial wreath during a moment of silence followed by one final salute. Apart from the first couple and Pence, the event was also attended by Second Lady Karen Pence, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie, and Trump's daughter Ivanka.

In his statement for Veterans Day, Trump touted the work his administration has done to improve the lives of veterans' families and reiterated his commitments to them and other military members. "As Commander in Chief, I have relentlessly fought to support America's veterans," Trump wrote. "For far too long, our Government had not fully met its obligation to provide for 'him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan. I recognize that this country and its people are duty-bound to care for our exceptional veterans, their families, and their survivors. That is why, throughout my time in office, I have worked tirelessly to improve the health, welfare, and economic prosperity of these treasured people."

The POTUS also lauded the actions he took to overhaul the Department of Veterans Affairs, increase funding and giving them the choice to receive care from local healthcare providers. Another of his accomplishments within the VA, he said, was "removing employees who were not giving our veterans the care and attention they deserve and making the agency more accountable to the heroes it serves."

President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill participated in their own commemoration of Veterans Day by laying a wreath at the Korean War Memorial at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In contrast to Melania's choice of outfit, Jill decided to opt for a navy blue peplum jacket that was belted around the waist. She paired it with a skirt of the same hue and a teal satin blouse underneath. As for accessories, she picked pearl earrings and delicate gold necklaces.

In keeping with the proper public precautionary measures to be followed, the Bidens both donned face masks the entire time that they were seen at the event. They were joined by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.