Government

President Obama to Vets on Memorial Day: America ‘Will be There For You’

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP/The Blaze) — President Barack Obama paid tribute Monday 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 daily 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.

The president promised war veterans that “we will be there for you,” to ensure that troops returning home from battle get the benefits they deserve.

Obama said sending troops into harm’s way was “the most wrenching decision that I have to make. I can promise you I will never do so unless it is absolutely necessary and that when we do, we must give our troops a clear mission and the full support of a grateful nation.”

Preceding Obama, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said that “all the men and women who rest here are a constant reminder that freedom is not free.” He noted that some 6,400 men and women have died defending America since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Obama was traveling later Monday to the Vietnam War Memorial to give special recognition to the troops who served and died in that war.

In this election year, Obama has been reminding his audiences about the end of the war in Iraq and the move to bring all troops home from Afghanistan by 2014. In a campaign ad released last week, he credits U.S. servicemen who helped in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

With so many troops returning home from their service, Obama says the U.S. needs to return the favor.

“We have to serve them and their families as well as they have served us,” Obama said in his weekly radio and Internet address. “By making sure that they get the health care and benefits they need; by caring for our wounded warriors and supporting our military families; and by giving veterans the chance to go to college, find a good job and enjoy the freedom that they risked everything to protect.”

Memorial Day: President Obama Honors Troops, Visits Arlington CemeteryThe White House said the gathering at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial War would mark the beginning of a 13-year program to honor those who served during the Vietnam War.

Republican Mitt Romney was scheduled to appear Monday with Arizona Sen. John McCain, the 2008 GOP nominee, in San Diego, home to a large number of military personnel and veterans. Romney has made the case that too many veterans are returning home to poor job prospects, casting blame on Obama’s economic policies.

A Bureau of Labor Statistics report in March found that 12.1 percent of U.S. Armed Forces veterans who served on active duty after September 2001 were unemployed in 2011. The unemployment rate for all veterans was 8.3 percent.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Comments (129)

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  • crypticguise
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 3:02pm

    Obama is a FRAUD. Get this Socialist-Marxist jackass out of the White House. November is only months away. I can not stand to hear his voice; lying bastard.

    Report Post »  
    • woodyb
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 3:14pm

      The president promised war veterans that “we will be there for you,”
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      When he was sure the mikes were off, he added “I just hope the SOBs don’t expect ME to be there for them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • scrudge
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 4:12pm

      deport the dirtbag

      Report Post »  
    • doomytram
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 5:00pm

      Every trifling speech he makes is just another puke written by America Hating Bill Ayers and Valerie Jarrett. “the country must strive “to be a nation worthy of your sacrifice.” Psst. Psst. America Hater, that’s why the troops hate you and want you gone Oblamer. We are already a nation worthy of our beloved troops sacrifice. What a pathetic mess Oblamer is…

      Report Post » doomytram  
    • csehl
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 5:02pm

      When Obama said that “when your country turned it’s back on you”, I was thinking, not all turned their back. There were the anti-war protestors like Ayers, and the rest of his little army that is all around him in the white house and the organizations funded by Soros. Really, isn’t it a little ironic? Those protestors are the liberal jerks who want the rainbow utopia in our country now. Hate to tell you prez., but our family was behind our troops then and now as were so many others. He started sounding a little preachy, when his voice goes up like he’s in church and I thought, “yeah, let’s make this political you arse”!!

      Report Post »  
    • cruzinbill
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 7:09pm

      i agree.

      Report Post »  
    • yiska8
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 8:04pm

      I usually change the channel when this Kenyan pops onscreen loving on his own voice, but he said something that rang eerie and made me stop. While grinding his teeth through his speech,he said when speaking to those families who have lost a loved one and been down a difficult road. “Right now, the Hickmans are beginning a very difficult journey that so many of your families have traveled before them — a journey that even more families will take in the months and years ahead.”

      I realize our American men and women will be in that hellhole Afghanistan til 2014, but it gave me chills to think that he’s going to get us into a another war somewhere. He’s got plans. Our veterans of all wars deserve better than this fraud as their commander in chief in wartime and at peace. May the Father above bless those who defend our freedoms and their families regardless of who is living in our White House. Thank You.
      http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/28/arlington-national-cemetery-obama-memorial-day-remarks_n_1550825.html

      Report Post » yiska8  
    • APPAULED
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 1:14am

      You should be ashamed of yourself. Republicans have signed a pledge to Grover Nyquist. He is a known supporter of Terrorist Jihadists and is Anti-Israel. His wife is Palestinian. Why would Republicans sign a pledge to a known Terroist supporter? His Tax Reform is a front and he is deliberatly leading our economy to collapse. A Republican Senator from Virginia recently attacked Grover Nyquist and Republicans that have signed a pledge to him (on the house floor). He said that Republicans should distance themselves from this know terrorist supporter and that by signing a pledge to him they have ignored their “Oath of Office” and that they have damaged their own country as a result.

      Google “American Thinker” – Grover Nyquist-Jihad
      Or read an article at a Conservatice Web Site Just Google:
      Human Events-Strong Conservative Vpices- Grover Nyquist-Jihad

      There are many many articles about Grover Nyquists support of Hamas and other Terrorist Organizations that have bombed US interests time and time again. They have also murdered thousands of innocent Isralies. Wy would Republicans sign a pledge to Grover Nyquist? Why would a known supporter of Terrorism be giving orders to the Republican Party? I come from a family of long time Republicans. We can not vote for a man that has signed a pledge to a known supporter of terrorist attacks against the United States Of America. We are Christians, we stand with Israel and with God. Something has gone terribly wrong with the Republic

      Report Post »  
    • majasdad
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 1:49pm

      Everybody on this thread accuses Obama of lying, yet not one of you provides any explanation backing up your accusations. Considering how convinced you all seem to be, it shouldn’t be hard to list some credible sources offering some proof.

      Please, take up the challenge and try to convince me. Quotes, links etc. just post them here.

      Report Post »  
  • Look4DBigPicture
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:52pm

    Very nice speech, President, but you kinda told a little white lie there. You have always wanted to CUT the military budget and our veterans healthcare benefits, and you made it sound as though you cared about them.

    While you were bragging about bringing our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan, you forgot to mention how our gov’t is hiring private military contractors in both Iraq and Afghanistan at a higher cost to the taxpayer. (Bush was excoriated for doing this … yet you get a free pass … why?)

    I‘m sure you didn’t mean to deceive Americans … I guess you can blame it on your teleprompter.

    Report Post »  
    • rickc34
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 3:08pm

      A liar indeed. Here is a President that aplogized to the world for the deeds of our military then when it is convinent he speaks out of the other side of his mouth. As I celebrate this day with my dad , uncles , cousins. , nephews and nieces that served and shed their blood for this country I give thanks for my freedom. And here we go it was his idea for cuts out of the military budget but he seems to forget that fact. To much dope when he was younger.

      Report Post »  
    • majasdad
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 1:59pm

      Where do you get your information? Out of your A$$??
      Quote/list your sources for crying out loud, or else shut the hell up.

      Report Post »  
  • acovenantinblood
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:48pm

    I figured he would thank the nurses and teachers for their service like his buddy Bill Ayers did.

    Report Post » acovenantinblood  
  • ricckky
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:45pm

    let me know why I am not getting posted

    Report Post »  
  • Watermain
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:42pm

    Once again, I think he is lying. If Mr. Obama had his way veterans would probably have to pay for their own flight home or their families would have to pay for their funerals. They did, after all volunteer. No, Mr. Obama, I don’t think you will be there for us veterans. I don’t think you even like being around veterans.

    Report Post » Watermain  
    • RLTW
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 3:36pm

      I just retired 6 years ago, I’m still in contact with the military and many of my former Soldiers, it truly sad that this POS is cutting a quarter of our force, Tricare is going up. He’s a lying sack who is cutting benefits from people that work and serve in order to save leftist programs for government made slaves.

      Report Post »  
    • justangry
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 5:36pm

      This is almost more insulting than that POS MSNBC reporter yesterday. I really didn’t need to hear his pandering lies today.

      Report Post » justangry  
    • APPAULED
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 1:26am

      Obama has done alot for Veterans, you need to check the facts and stop believing lies. The Republicans have signed a pledge to Grover Nyquist. He is a know supporter of Terrorist Organizations that have murdered many Americans and innocent Isralies. Grover is married to a Palestinian and he is Anti- Israel. He has funded Terroists/Jihadist. Google: American Thinker-Grover Nyquist-Jihad. Republican Senator Wolf from Virginia recently attacked Grover and Republicans that have signed a pledge to this Terrorist supporter. He is one of a small handfull of Senators that have refused to sign apledge to this traitor. Google -Human Events-Strong Conservative Voices-Grover Nyquist Jihad. You need the truth about this man. He has even allowed Jihadists to work out of his Tax reform office. His Tax Reform Agenda is a front for his other activities and he has found a way to hijack out Government and lead our country to destruction by causing a collapse of our economy. Senator Wolf of Virginia said that the Republicans that have signed a pledge to this man have forgot about their “Oath” to the American people and have damaged our country in doing so. Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich have also signed a pledge to this Traitor. If we don’t stop him our country will be lead into destruction. Please google and find all of the information that you need to verify what I am telling you. Republicans are turning their backs on America, On Israel and on God.

      Report Post »  
  • ricckky
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:38pm

    I can’t even listen to this slime balls voice. He is a sociopath and only says things to feather his nest. He is a disgrace to our country. Nov. can’t come fast enough!!

    Report Post »  
  • soybomb315
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:36pm

    Obama: “we will be there for you”

    More like “you will be THERE for us”. And by There, I mean anywhere in the world where the government can use force or coercion to perpetuate war in the name of progressivism. Meanwhile, when you finally finish your service, you will come home to a VA system woefully inefficient and corrupt. We will give you 3rd world care for any mental disabilities caused by your service……But all is well, the government will call you a hero.

    Report Post » soybomb315  
  • WiseFox
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:35pm

    Yes, all Americans will always be there for you but do not count on this government.

    Report Post »  
  • AUsername
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:27pm

    Not true, almost nobody is there for them, not even most people of this country let alone their goverment, the people don’t give a crap that there fighting and dying in wars that have nothing to do with self defense, instead your average folks listens to radio or tv saying Iran is a threat or something like that when its not. they play an act and say they like and support the troops by raising their hand above their head when they walk by and say you thank for your service but they vote for thugs who play with soldiers like toys and use them to pursue corporate and banker interests instead.

    Report Post » AUsername  
    • blackyb
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:38pm

      The whole administration is treasonous. They need to be out of there. Get them out or we will recall as many as it takes.

      Report Post » blackyb  
    • DEFCON4
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 3:23pm

      AUSERNAME, I do support our troops everyday I suggest you stop with all the Ron Bot brainwashed rhetoric. Come on, its Memorial Day -Respect OUR fallen Heroes!!!!

      Report Post » DEFCON4  
    • AUsername
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 3:32pm

      than respect their choice for president.

      Report Post » AUsername  
    • Justagrunt
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 5:47pm

      I really wish you guys would stop saying things like “All soldiers love Ron Paul”. You do not speak for me. I speak for me. Thanks. Just so you’re tracking, I’d love Ron Paul if only he would recognize that there ARE threats outside this country, and that the best way to keep them outside our country, is to go to their country.

      Report Post » Justagrunt  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 11:45am

      The progs are over-using and wearing-out our troops, to drain the taxpayers 100%.
      The progs are (same agenda as 1968) pushing everyone on wealfare and social-security and foodstamps tao drain our country and not only to bankrupt, but to also drain OUR private economy down to ZERO%$$. They want anarchy and total dissruption all over the broke-USA.
      Unfortunate for them, broke means no tax-money for them either $oo,oo=total-broke. The progs will be much worse-off than we will be…allong time ago, they lost all of their work-ethic. The progs will naturely die-off, as WETHEPEOPLE rebuild.

      Report Post »  
  • Baja
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:27pm

    Bulls**t Barry! You, like most progressives harbor hate and contempt for the military. Who in the hell are you trying to kid? The hapless, idol worshipping fools who voted for you? Start packing your crap brother, your headed back to Chicago this November.

    Report Post » Baja  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:26pm

    just now== panetta and hagel’s last few sentences in BOTH their speeches at the Viet Nam Memorial Wall were nothing but CAMPAIGN SPEECHES for the filthy rabid communist-in-chief obama who despises our Military. how DISGUSTING and DESPICABLE.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
    • APPAULED
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 1:38am

      You are being fooled by the Republicans that have signed a pledge to Grover Nyquist. A know supporter of Terrorist Jihadist that are responsible for the deaths of many Americans and innocent Isralies. He is Anti-Israel. I am a Christian and WAS a Republican but I will not vote for a man that has signed a pledge to a known enemy. Grover Nyquist is my enemy and he should be your enemy too. How can Republicans call themselves Christians and then sign a pledge to a know supporter of Terrorist Jihadists and support the murders of countless Isralies? Republicans broke their “oath” to “We The People” when they signed a pledge to Grover Nyquist. A small handful of Republicans have refused to sign a pledge to this man and Senator Wolf from Virginia (Republican) recently attacked Grover Nyquist (on the house floor) and the Republicans that have signed an oath to him. He has found a way to infiltrate our Government and it started during the GWB administration. He took 15 Muslim leaders to the whitehouse to meet with GWB 25 days after 9/11 saying that these men did not support Terrorism. One of them is now serving a 23 yr sentance in a Federal Prison in the Us for funneling money to Terrorists through Charities here in America. Grover worked diligently to the get the mosque built at ground zero. Google:Human Events- Strong Conservative Voices-Grover Nyquist-Jihad Or American Thinker-Grover Nyquist-Jihad. Many more articles on the internet and you can verify everything I am saying he

      Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:26pm

    The fact that this man is Commander in Chief of our military is an abomination.

    God please protect our military men and women against the harm Obama continues to do to them.

    Report Post »  
    • Mark0331
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 3:30pm

      Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

      Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

      If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.

      Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.

      …to all My Brother Marines..Semper Fi..Never Forget Our Fallen Brothers…Never.

      Report Post » Mark0331  
    • momrules
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 7:18pm

      Thanks Mark……….

      Report Post »  
  • soybomb315
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:25pm

    what the hell is wrong with romney. Last few days were all about Trump, now it is all about McCain again. Shhesssh

    Report Post » soybomb315  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:43pm

      “Republican Mitt Romney was scheduled to appear Monday with Arizona Sen. John McCain, the 2008 GOP nominee, in San Diego, home to a large number of military personnel and veterans.”

      Report Post » soybomb315  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:24pm

    American vets aren’t going to be there for you, from what I see in the polls Barry.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:31pm

      This vet damn sure won‘t vote for that Marxist heathen and I know a lot more vets who won’t either.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:48pm

      PROGRESSIVESLAYER, You’ve got that right. This vet won’t either.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • DEFCON4
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 3:56pm

      GONZO How True. This vet is for Mitt..

      Report Post » DEFCON4  
    • Skrewedretiree
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 11:49pm

      No, when the elections are over and the shiite hits the fan, Barry Sotero will see where the veterans stand.

      Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
  • zoro51
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:23pm

    lieing sack os SOCIALIST FODDER this LOSER NON AMERICAN BORN needs to be IMPEACHED president CARES NOT FOR ANY AMERICAN HE HATES THE USA HE HATES THE CONSTIUTION HATES AMERICAN OIL HATES US MILITARY I dont buy his words.. HE LIES decieves n FUNDS MUCLUMS HES UN AMERICAN IMPEACH THIS BASTARD he DIS HONORDS our military that HE WANTS TO CUT BUT fund his MUSLUMS temples n allow RUSSIANS to train on american sdoil TREASIOUNS ACTS!

    Report Post » zoro51  
    • Baja
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:28pm

      How do you really feel?

      Report Post » Baja  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:42pm

      ZORO Blastin away! It feels good to vent I know I’ve been doing it ever since the Marxist heathen was installed..

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:22pm

    we are just waiting for that disgusting obama sow to sneer and say ”all this for a dmn flag” again.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:18pm

    more American troops have died under obama in 3 years than in all 7 years of 100% AMERICAN President George W Bush.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:17pm

    just now… panetta at the Viet Nam Memorial Wall, he was going along okay and then wham.. he turned it into a VILE FILTHY campaign speech with just a few sentences …”PRESDENT AND MRS OBAMA have done more for ….” ….. it was DISGUSTING.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • Baddoggy
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:16pm

    How a military coup does not happen I will never know. No wonder they disarmed the troops for Pinyata…

    Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:28pm

      What i want to know is…..What will the military do when the government turns them against US citizens

      Need to warn every serviceman ahead of time that it could happen

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • Baja
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 3:19pm

      A coup is unlikely because the administration and progressives have stacked the military leadership with like minded left wing wusses. Google Tim Dorsey and read the story of him being selected as a flag officer and the political hack appointed as Navy Secretary.

      Report Post » Baja  
    • Zoe
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 4:39pm

      Doggy there’s got to be a few good men who are not going to let this commie keep trashing our country….Sundown is coming!

      Report Post » Zoe  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:13pm

    AMERICA will be there for the Vets; Obama never will be there for those he despises across the board. Get that traitor in the White House gone for the uttermost disgrace he is.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • CatB
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:13pm

    The Blaze … please do NOT put Obama on autoplay .. I cannot stand the sound of his lying voice …

    AMERICA will be there for OUR VETERANS and the families of those wounded or killed .. and we will fight this anti-American lying POS every step of the way ..

    Report Post »  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:12pm

    That worthless POS has NO BUSINESS being in such a hallowed place.

    Report Post » biohazard23  
    • BurntHills
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:21pm

      TRUE true true. obama disgraces our American Military.

      –just now, in his last few sentences, hagel at the Viet Nam Memorial Wall is now giving a FILTHY VILE campaign speech for obama. how DESPICABLE.

      Report Post » BurntHills  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:42pm

      My father is buried there. I’m sure his ashes are swirling like a tornado in his urn as we speak. He would have despised our current POTUS.

      Report Post » biohazard23  
  • Obama_Sham
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:11pm

    Hey Barry… Why not institute the draft again? The NBPP and OWS crowd could use some jobs…

    Report Post » Obama_Sham  
    • BurntHills
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:22pm

      obama HAS signed the bill that DOES include THE DRAFT.

      Report Post » BurntHills  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:46pm

      Good, we could use the draft again. Then, we would no longer be so careless about war

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • Look4DBigPicture
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:58pm

      Democrats are all pushing for the draft … they don’t believe in freedom of choice.

      Report Post »  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 4:46pm

      I personally know a man who was a radical liberal and then he was about to be drafted to go to Nam and Pres Nixon happened and you talk about how some get religion in the trenches? well, this democrat/liberal did not have to go to Nam because Pres Nixon ended the draft and this man got an “attitude-adjustment” CHANGED & HAS BEEN VOTING REPUBLICAN ever since!!! True story!

      Report Post »  
    • majasdad
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 6:36pm

      @BURNTHILLS
      Oh yeah? When? And what’s the bill called? Must be simple enough for you to post that.

      Oh I get it, you made it all up right?

      Report Post »  
  • Obama_Sham
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:10pm

    “I can promise you I will never do so unless it is absolutely necessary”

    I guess Syria is absolutely necessary…

    Report Post » Obama_Sham  
  • macpappy
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:10pm

    An empty promise, from an empty suit.

    Report Post » macpappy  
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