Obama marks Veterans Day with wreath-laying

CHICAGO — President-elect Obama honored fallen troops Tuesday by placing a wreath at a memorial and making a Veterans Day pledge to the many Americans who have served in the military.

"Let us rededicate ourselves to keep a sacred trust with all who have worn the uniform of the United States of America: that America will serve you as well as you have served your country," Obama said in a statement. "As your next commander in chief, I promise to work every single day to keep that sacred trust with all who have served."

One week after winning the presidential election, Obama took a brief break from his primary tasks of planning his administration and monitoring the economic crisis to mark Veterans Day at the bronze soldiers memorial between the Field Museum and Soldier Field in Chicago.

The Illinois senator, who will inherit wars in Iraq and Afghanistan from President Bush, was accompanied by Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran who lost her legs in combat. She later ran unsuccessfully for Congress and now is the Illinois governor's veterans affairs director.

On a brisk autumn day, Obama moved a pre-positioned wreath a few feet closer to the front of the memorial that bore the phrase "dedicated to the defenders of our liberty." He and Duckworth bowed their heads briefly and then each saluted.

In his statement Obama praised "the extraordinary service and selfless sacrifice of our nation's veterans" who have "defended the American people and stood up for American values."

"Since 9/11, a new generation of American heroes has borne a heavy load in facing down the threats of the 21st century, and their families have been asked to bear the painful absence of a loved one. These Americans are the best and bravest among us, and they are all in our thoughts and prayers," he added.

Aside from the short public appearance, Obama was huddling in private with top advisers planning for the transfer of presidential power in January. His aides say no Cabinet positions are to be announced this week, though White House staff positions may come later in the week.

In New Castle, Del., Vice President-elect Joe Biden spoke to about 400 people at the Delaware War Memorial. Noting the nation's tradition of smooth transitions from one administration to the next, Biden said, "it is a remarkable testament" to the freedoms that Americans have fought and died for.

Comments

[raven29520]

I hope President Elect Obama will choose for all positions the best qualified for the job. It would be hard to fire friends and family.

[ToddlerJ]

There has got to be a place for Tammy either in the administration or perhaps as senator to replace Obama. She has passion and a unique perspective.

[smkyle1]

During the campaign season it seemed the war disappeared. We cannot forget the troops. The LA Progressive carried a piece by a Vietnam Vet that discusses this.

http://www.laprogressive.com/2008/06/01/blame-it-on-grenada/

[Dianekkdi]

Actually, I believe Memorial Day is for honoring our dead who have served.

Veterans Day is for honoring and saying thank you to the living.

I don't believe Veterans Day should be lost in memorial type services. We should honor our living Veterans by saying thank you with ceremonies for the living, (maybe) walking, talking.

Please....Let's support our Veterans...doing something special for the living on this day would be really cool.

Yours truly,

A vet who was lucky enough to serve during peace time.

[hirut]

How about we take care of the living, who served our countery, who are homeless and hopeless. The dead are dead.

[Jahmekyah]

Nice. Thoughtful. I take it u aren't related to any of those "dead are dead" soldiers?

[Iluvdarin]

These dead military gave their lives for our freedom and must never be forgotten.

[AndrewInToronto]

It seems appropriate to me. I'm up in Canada and we have Remembrance Day today, similar to Veterans Day: a very solemn occasion marking the end of WWI in particular and the struggle against militarism in general. Yesterday was also the 71st anniversary of Kristallnacht at which time anti-Semitism went from being economic violence to being blatant, physical violence. I was in a cafe getting an espresso this morning and a woman who saw my Obama shirt yesterday at the grocery was in front of me again. She turned to me and said that her son (who must have been in his 20s at the time) died in Iraq for what she said was greed and corruption with the current administration. That which was already a poignant tie because all the more so to think of this person who had lost her son to war profiteering and oil as we both saw it. My respects and best wishes go out to those who have lost loved ones here or are currently placed in harm's way for the financial benefit of others.

[libssukit]

I guess the oil companies and profiteers walked him down to the recruitment center huh?

[RockySoldier]

well i'm glad that people like the soldiers i serve with serve for greater ideals and for better purpose than you. feel free to go cower in the corner... the real fighting men and women will do your work for you while you cast aspersions on your FELLOW AMERICANS.

You have NO RIGHT to question the patriotism or the merits of your fellow Americans or their service credentials. We are one America, not many.

Do Push-ups! Now!

[VOTER]

As a Vet, I am hoping Tammy Duckworth will be chosen
as Head of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

[Donnat]

LOL! Shouldn't this be Bush's job? Or has he abdicated already? Look, I want Obama in office as much as the next guy, but someone ought to be keeping an eye on Bush and Cheney or they'll create all kinds of havoc before January.

[Lynett]

I agree wholeheartedly with you. No way do I trust either one of them. The time from election to inaugauration day is too long which allows Bush & Cheney to do God only knows what. Am amazed the election went off as well as it did.
When I think of the attempts Palin tried to get riots going in her rallies it sickens me. She is so upset to be called a "diva". When I think of all the names and titles she hurled out about President Elect Obama, she should hang her head in shame. Thank God she didn't get a chance to become our nation's vice president. She is as controlling and dishonest as the ones we will soon be replacing. The Republican party should be smart enough to see how they lost this past election. McCain did our country a favor by picking her. If she hadn't been a beauty queen, I wonder if he would have. Many wonder.

[dare2tryobama]

Obama has done more for Vets than McCain "hesnot forme". Don't come in here knocking President Elect Obama. He fought to have the newest Vet Bill and he reformed the healthcare for vets and thats so do your homework dude.

[pixy242a]

Mcain was not only against the last vet bill, but after it passed he took credit for it on the stump. Shameless.

[jetphixer]

Tanney is a great idea now go to vote vets and sign the paper to get her an Max Cleand in this administration... Bill USN RET & DAV

[Lotus19]

In light of the gargantuan issues facing this country, and since Bush is looking to make this the smoothest transition ever, Obama can be invited to, a minimum listen in during the Summit. Drastic times call for drastic measures.

[canucklivinginUSA]

Why would Obama be locked in whatever Bush decides to do? He is doing the smart thing not to attend and sending an aide instead

[Lotus19]

I didn't realize he was sending an aide. But why would Obama be locked in to whatever Bush decides, simply by being there. I was looking at it as more of a symbolic gesture to build confidence since he seems to project that wherever he goes (he's already reminded everyone that there's only one President at a time) and also to get a first hand account of what the he*ll is really going on.

[kaspian]

It would be kinda nice if this man could get a day off.

[naschkatze]

Tammy Duckworth--wouldn't she make a great head of the federal veterans' administration?

[VOTER]

YES!!!!