Obama Honors Fallen Troops at Arlington

Lays wreath at Tomb of the Unknowns
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 28, 2012 11:18 AM CDT

President Barack Obama paid tribute today to the men and women who have died defending America, saying the country must strive "to be a nation worthy of your sacrifice." He said the war in Iraq has ended after nine years and is "winding down" in Afghanistan. But he conceded that the pain of war lingers for the families of those lost in battle, noting mourners can be seen at Arlington National Cemetery daily, not just on Memorial Day.

"These 600 acres are home to Americans from every part of the country who gave their lives in every part of the globe," said the president, speaking under a brilliant sun before a large audience, including many uniformed servicemen and women, at the cemetery, after taking part in the traditional laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Obama was traveling later today to the Vietnam War Memorial to give special recognition to the troops who served and died in that war. (More Memorial Day stories.)

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