Obama marks Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery

Moments before his speech, Obama, who was joined by Defense Secretary Ash Carter and several high-level military personnel, laid a ceremonial wreath in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns.

President Obama will also deliver remarks ‘to honor members of the US armed services, those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, as well as veterans and their families’.

President Obama Monday honored the nation’s fallen service members by calling for true remembrance of their sacrifices – through actions and deeds – in a Memorial Day address at Arlington Cemetery.

“Right now there are American troops serving in harm’s way and standing sentry around the world”, Obama said. “We’ve shown that progress and human dignity is best advanced by cooperation and not conflict”, he said.

“Whether they stood up in times of war, signed up in times of peace or were called up by a draft board”, Obama said.

“Truly remembering means that after our fallen heroes gave everything to get their battle buddies home we have to make sure our veterans get everything that they have earned from good health care to a good job”, he said. “We have to be there not only when we need them but when they need us”.

Obama recognized Keating, Staff Sgt. Louis Cardin and Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler by name Monday and acknowledged the 20 “brave Americans” who have died in combat in Afghanistan since last Memorial Day. He quoted a platoon mate who told Keating’s parents in a letter soon after their son’s death “please tell everyone Chuck saved a lot of lives today”. “Putting others before himself was what Louis did best”.

It is the sound of military musicians joining the national Memorial Day concert on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol.