President Obama challenged Americans on Memorial Day to fill the silence from those who died serving their country with love and support for families of the fallen, “not just with words but with our actions.”
Obama laid a wreath Monday at the Tomb of the Unknowns to honor the nation’s war dead. Under mostly sunny skies at Arlington National Cemetery, he bowed his head for a moment, then placed his right hand over his heart as taps was played. Obama in his address commemorated the more than 1 million people in U.S. history who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Obama said the markers at Arlington belong mostly to young Americans, those who never lived to be honored as veterans for their service.
“The Americans who rest here, and their families – the best of us, those from whom we asked everything – ask of us today only one thing in return: that we remember them,” Obama said.
In his remarks, Obama called for Americans to honor the families who lost loved ones and the battle buddies left behind. He said it’s important to ensure veterans get access to good health care and jobs. “We have to do better,” he said. “We have to be there not only when we need them, but when they need us.”
Prior to traveling to Arlington, Obama held a breakfast reception at the White House for military leaders, family members of fallen service members and veterans groups.