A Packed Veterans Day Schedule For The Obama Administration
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President Barack Obama paid homage to American vets and troops on the Veterans Day at a U.S. military base outside Seoul, South Korea.
Veterans Day (Creative Commons)
“Your country will be there for you,” Obama said, assuring that his administration would care for the hundreds of troops present at the ceremony and the thousands of others currently serving other overseas posts. “That is the commitment I make as your commander-in-chief. That is the sacred trust between the United States of America and all who defend its ideals.”
Obama also recognized the spouses and family members of vets and current servicemen and women in the audience, “you bear the burdens of your loved one’s service in ways that are often immeasurable…So I want you to know that this nation recognizes your sacrifice, and we are grateful for your service, too.”
“Gentleman, we are honored by your presence,” Obama said in acknowledgement of the continued service of both past and present soldiers. “We are grateful for your service. And the world is better off because of what you did here.”
The wreath-laying ceremony at the Yongsan War Memorial after the speech was followed by a presentation of arms with a US POW-MIA flag and an Army team made a 21-gun salute before taps was played.
Other members of the Obama administration also took part in Veterans Day events. Vice President Biden hosted a Veterans Day breakfast at the White House this morning, preceding another wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.
First Lady Michelle Obama made a Veterans Day appearance too, surprising some 200 servicemen and women at the Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, helping to serve a meal of steaks, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, corn on the cob, garlic bread and lemon meringue pie.
“We are so grateful to all of you,” she told troops and their families in between handshakes and hugs. “Not just our service men and women, but their kids, wives, husbands and parents.”
The first lady continued also visited wounded troops in recovery at nearby Landstuhl Regional Medical center.
Jill Biden is also joining Veterans Day festivities by participating along with active troops, veterans and military families at a Habitat for Humanity build site in the Deanwood neighborhood of Washington D.C.
Reach reporter Eleanor Walper click here.
