A Vietnam War Army veteran named Bill Henry spoke Friday at the monthly Roll Call luncheon in Fort Worth, Texas, a gathering of about 500 people that includes roughly 450 service members and takes place at Birchman Baptist Church. The group exists to honor veterans through regular fellowship.

Henry said he remains supportive of President Donald Trump even when they disagree, and he credited assassination attempts as proof of unusual protection. He expressed thanks that Trump has continued in office while facing Democrats and the Iranian government, and he questioned when Iranian statements should be trusted.

He also praised Trump’s style of marking patriotic America 250 observances, including the large Independence Day fireworks display in Washington, D.C., and said political opponents would criticize any such celebration.