Obama: America 'forever grateful' to vets

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns Wednesday, and thanked veterans and active-duty forces for their service to the country.

"In this time of war, we gather here, mindful that the generations serving today already deserves a place alongside previous generations for the courage they have shown and the sacrifices that they have made," Obama said at Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River from Washington. "In an era where so many acted only in pursuit of narrow self-interests, they've chosen ... to serve the cause that is greater than self, many even after they knew they'd be sent into harm's way."

Before his comments, Obama placed a wreath of red, white and blue flowers at the Tomb of the Unknowns, a gravesite for unidentified-but-not-forgotten soldiers who died in battle. Afterward, Obama placed his hand over his heart as a bugler played "Taps" under drizzly skies.

For nearly a decade, America's military "endured tour after tour in distant and difficult places; they have protected us from danger, and they have given others the opportunity for a better life," Obama said. "So to all of them, to our veterans, to the fallen and to their families, there's no tribute, no commemoration, no praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service and your sacrifice. This is a place where it is impossible not to be moved by that sacrifice."

America's obligations to its service personnel don't end just because the uniform is no longer worn, Obama said.

"Our servicemen and (servicewomen) have been doing right by America for generations," the president said. "And as long as I am commander in chief, America is going to do right by them. And that is my message to all veterans (and their loved one) today. ... America will not let you down. We will take care of our own."

He acknowledged that some returning veterans, such as those returning from Vietnam, returned home to "condemnation and neglect. That's something that will never happen again.

"To them and to all who have served, in every battle, in every war, we say that it's never too late to say thank you," Obama said. "We honor your service. We are forever grateful."