Michelle Obama thanks troops, families

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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., June 14 (UPI) -- First lady Michelle Obama thanked the U.S. Marines and their families for their service and sacrifice and vowed to ensure their voices are heard in Washington.

"I have to tell you sincerely that some of the most inspiring Americans I've ever met are our men and women in uniform," Obama said Sunday during a visit to Camp Pendleton, Calif. "So I wanted to come here today for a simple reason … and that's to help the rest of our country better understand and appreciate the incredible service of you and your families, and to make sure that your voices are heard back in Washington and that your needs are met, and to make sure that we realize our vision of an America that truly supports and engages our military families."

The first lady read the names of five Camp Pendleton Marines who died last week in Afghanistan, saying, "Our prayers and support are with these fallen Marines and their families."

Obama said she has challenged "every sector of American society" to help support and engage military families.

"We have to build the capacity to support you and your families at every stage of your lives," she said. "But to do this, we need a truly national commitment -- no one can sit on the sidelines. One percent of Americans may be fighting our wars, but 100 percent of Americans need to be supporting you in that fight."