President Barack Obama marked Memorial Day by placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. In remarks following the ceremony the president gave a special salute to the soldiers who fought in the Korean War and spoke about how he is afraid that the men and women of the armed forces are fading from public consciousness, according to Fox News.
"The truth cannot be ignored. Today, most Americans are not directly touched by war," Obama said. "Our troops and our military families understand this, and they mentioned to me their concern about whether the country fully appreciates what's happening."
Obama's remarks urged Americans to do more than merely remember the fallen soldiers. Taking care of veterans who return from war by making sure they have enough health benefits and are able to find employment was encouraged by the president. Obama also suggested that Americans do whatever they can to help the families of military, according to CNN.
"On this day, we remember our sacred obligation to those who laid down their lives so we could live ours to finish the job these men and women started by keeping our promise to those who wear America's uniform, to give our troops the resources they need and to keep faith with our veterans and their families, now and always, to never stop searching for those who have gone missing- or held as prisoners of war, but on a more basic level, every American can do something even simple," Obama said.
"As we go about our daily lives, we must remember that our countrymen are still serving, still fighting, still putting their lives on the line for all of us," Obama continued.
Obama remarked on the end of the war in Afghanistan while reminding the nation that there will still be an ongoing war against terrorists, according to CBS News.
"Fewer Americans are making the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, and that's progress for which we are profoundly grateful," Obama said. "And this time next year, we will mark the final Memorial Day of our war in Afghanistan. But even as we turn the page on a decade of conflict, even as we look forward, let us never forget that as we gather today that our nation is still at war."
The remarks made by the president on Monday were the third speech the president has made regarding the military in the last week. In a speech on Thursday Obama defended the use of drones and advocated for the closure of Guantanamo Bay. In remarks given at the graduation of the U.S. Naval Academy the president addressed the recent sexual assault scandals within the military.
