- Photo:Pete Souza/White House — President Barack Obama observes Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia November 11, 2011
President Barack Obama placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery today in honor of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. In his remarks after the ceremony, President Obama expressed thanks to all veterans — on this Veterans Day — for their service, sacrifice, and accomplishments.
President Barack Obama:
Here, where our heroes come to rest, we come to show our gratitude. A few moments ago, I laid a wreath to pay tribute to all who have given their lives to our country. For even though this is a day we rightly honor America’s veterans, we gather today in solemn respect -– mindful that we are guests here; mindful that we share this hallowed space with a family’s moment of quiet grief; mindful that many veterans not far from here are tracing their fingers over black granite for friends who never came home –- and expect us to do all we can to bring every missing American service member home to their families.
To all our nation’s veterans: Whether you fought in Salerno or Samarra, Khe Sanh or the Korengal, you are part of an unbroken chain of men and women who have served this country with honor and distinction. On behalf of a proud and grateful nation, we thank you.
Full text of the president’s remarks here on the whitehouse.gov website.
