Obama honors military on Veteran’s Day

Zoe Newcomb, News Editor
November 11, 2009

Zoe Newcomb
News Editor

Obama presents a wreath by the Tomb of the Unknowns. An honor guard escorted the president in.
Obama presents a wreath by the Tomb of the Unknowns. An honor guard escorted the president in. Photo: Ina Herlihy

WASHINGTON DC  – President Barack Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and addressed a crowd of several hundred people in the Memorial Amphitheater at a rainy Arlington National Cemetery this morning in honor of Veterans Day.

“Today we honor the people who made victory possible,” said Obama to the crowd of people gathered to witness the traditional Presidential wreath laying. “We call it a holiday but for veterans it is a day of memories.”

Just a day after the Fort Hood memorial service, Obama’s speech reminded soldiers and their families that while “grief is still fresh” for those involved in the military base shooting, “America will not let you down.”

Obama and the crowd place their hands across their hearts while the Star Spangled Banner is sung. The National Anthem was performed in an soft, slow instrumental arrangement before the president's speech.
Obama and the crowd place their hands across their hearts while the Star Spangled Banner is sung. The National Anthem was performed in an soft, slow instrumental arrangement before the president’s speech. Photo: Ina Herlihy

The Veterans Day ceremonies give citizens the opportunity to people in the military and the sacrifices they makes. Many of the people who attend the event are veterans and take the day each year to honor past and present members of the military while reflecting on their own experiences serving their country.

“These words — duty, honor, country — when you are in the military, they take on new meaning,” said Frank Wyda, a 20-year Army veteran. “Honoring our past, present, and future troops is something you just have to do.”