Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is facing criticism after posting a Memorial Day message honoring George Floyd hours before recognizing the American troops who gave their lives serving the country.

“Today, we remember George Floyd, who was murdered by a former Minneapolis police officer six years ago,” Frey wrote on X Monday morning. “That moment changed our city forever.”

And while nobody disputes that Floyd’s death became a major national event, many Americans were left asking a simple question: on Memorial Day of all days, why was the mayor’s first public focus not the fallen men and women of the U.S. military?

Memorial Day has long been dedicated to honoring American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice defending the nation. For millions of families across the country, it’s a solemn day of remembrance centered on courage, sacrifice, and patriotism — not political symbolism.

Critics quickly pointed out the timing of Frey’s message, arguing that elevating George Floyd in the opening hours of Memorial Day reflected misplaced priorities from Democrat leadership that often seems more focused on activist narratives than national traditions.

The city of Minneapolis was permanently changed after Floyd’s death in 2020, as widespread riots, unrest, and anti-police movements swept through the city and much of the country. Businesses were destroyed, neighborhoods suffered enormous damage, and public trust in local leadership took a major hit.

Yet for many Americans, Memorial Day represents something entirely different: honoring those who died wearing the uniform of the United States, protecting freedoms that millions enjoy today.

Eventually, Frey did acknowledge fallen troops later in the day, but the initial post still generated significant backlash online as people questioned why military remembrance didn’t come first on one of the nation’s most sacred holidays.

The controversy also highlights a broader frustration many Americans feel toward political leaders who appear increasingly disconnected from traditional patriotic values and national unity.

At the same time, Memorial Day ceremonies across the country continued as veterans, military families, and communities gathered to honor the brave Americans who sacrificed everything for their country — a reminder that despite political noise and social media outrage, respect for the nation’s heroes remains deeply rooted across America.