Obama: 'It Falls to Us' to Care for Vets

President hails servicemembers at Arlington
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 11, 2012 12:33 PM CST
Obama: 'It Falls to Us' to Care for Vets
President Obama pays his respect at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery during a Veterans Day ceremony, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. At right, Maj. Gen. Michael Linnington.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Speaking at the final resting spot of thousands of America's servicemembers, President Obama paid tribute to Veterans Day today with a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and a vow to do more to take care of those who have served. "No ceremony or parade, no hug or handshake is enough to truly honor that service," Obama said, adding that a grateful nation must commit "to serving you as well as you've served us."

Obama spoke with an eye on veterans of more recent wars, notes Politico, particularly the September 11th generation, "who stepped forward when the Towers fell, and in the years since have stepped into history, writing one of the greatest chapters in military service our country has ever known." Vowing to tackle a backlog in veterans' benefits, he said, "as they come home, it falls to us, their fellow citizens, to be there for them and their families, not just now but always." (More President Obama stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X