President Obama hosts a dinner for veterans (12 images)

President Barack Obama returns to his table after offering remarks at a dinner he and first lady Michelle Obama are hosting to honor the Armed Forces who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn and to honor their families in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. on February 29, 2012. UPI/Ron Sachs/Pool

President Barack Obama, right, and Vice President Joe Biden shake hands as the President prepares to make remarks at a dinner to honor the Armed Forces who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn and to honor their families in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. on February 29, 2012. UPI/Ron Sachs/Pool

President Barack Obama offers a toast after making remarks as he and first lady Michelle Obama host a dinner to honor the Armed Forces who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn and to honor their families in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. on February 29, 2012. UPI/Ron Sachs/Pool

President Barack Obama bows his head in prayer as he and first lady Michelle Obama host a dinner to honor the Armed Forces who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn and to honor their families in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. on February 29, 2012. UPI/Ron Sachs/Pool