Obama pays tribute to military, says US will 'do right by' veterans

Nov 12, 2009, 10:24 GMT

Washington - The United States will 'do right by' its armed forces, past and present, President Barack Obama said Wednesday after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Obama spoke at the Arlington National Cemetery as events were held across the world to mark the 91st anniversary of the end of World War I.

Commemorations to honour the war dead were given special poignancy by the rising death toll of troops deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Later in the day, Obama was to meet with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

'In this time of war, we gather here mindful that the generation serving today already deserves a place alongside previous generations for the courage they have shown and the sacrifices that they have made,' Obama said, referring to troops still fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.

'In an era where so many acted only in pursuit of narrow self- interest, they've chosen the opposite. They chose to serve the cause that is greater than self; many even after they knew they'd be sent into harm's way.'

To the veterans present at the ceremony, Obama said he was 'deeply honoured and humbled' to spend the day with them in 'this sacred place where generations of heroes have come to rest - and generations of Americans have come to show their gratitude.'

In a message to all veterans and those who continue to serve, Obama said: To the parents who watch their sons and daughters go off to war ... To all our wounded warriors, and to the families who laid a loved one to rest. America will not let you down. We will take care of our own.'