Obama At Arlington National Cemetery: President Honors Troops On Memorial Day

Obama Honors Fallen Troops At Arlington Cemetery
US President Barack Obama places a wreath during a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier May 28, 2012 to mark Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial Day is observed in remembrance for those died while serving in the US military. AFP PHOTO/Mandel NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/GettyImages)
US President Barack Obama places a wreath during a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier May 28, 2012 to mark Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial Day is observed in remembrance for those died while serving in the US military. AFP PHOTO/Mandel NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/GettyImages)

Americans planned to gather at cemeteries, memorials and monuments nationwide to honor fallen military service members on Memorial Day, at a time when combat in Afghanistan approaches 12 years and the ranks of World War II veterans dwindles.

President Barack Obama was expected to lay a wreath Monday at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River from Washington. Earlier in the morning, he and first lady Michelle Obama planned to host a breakfast at the White House with "Gold Star" families of service members who have been killed.

During his weekly radio address, Obama asked Americans to give thanks to fallen troops this weekend.

"We must make sure all our veterans have the care and benefits they've earned, and the jobs and opportunity they deserve," he said. "We must be there for the military families whose loved ones are in harm's way - for they serve as well."

Before You Go

Memorial Day Commemorated At Arlington National Cemetery

Memorial Day 2013

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot