Obama Salutes Medal of Honor Recipients
at Arlington National Cemetery
American Forces Press Service (March 27, 2009) | 
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President Barack Obama faces the Tomb of the
Unknowns during a Medal of Honor ceremony at Arlington National
Cemetery, March 25, 2009. Obama made an unannounced visit to the
ceremony, surprising Medal of Honor recipients attending a
wreath-laying ceremony.
U.S. Army photo by Adam Skoczylas |
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WASHINGTON, March 25, 2009 -- President Barack Obama made an
unannounced visit to Arlington National Cemetery today, surprising about 35 of
the 98 living Medal of Honor recipients attending a wreath-laying ceremony.
Though it was first awarded some 150 years ago, only 3,448 troops have received
the honor conferred for conspicuous courage at the risk of life above and beyond
the call of duty.
Several hundred sightseers and tourists visiting the cemetery watched as the
military heroes from World War II, Korea and Vietnam stood in two separate rows,
facing the Tomb of the Unknowns.Obama walked
down the steps of the amphitheater toward the tomb, with two Medal of Honor recipients at his side, while two other
recipients, using the aid of canes, followed down the steps. |
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The president was accompanied by retired Navy Lt. John W.
Finn, a 99-year old veteran of World War II; retired Navy Capt. Thomas J. Hudner,
an 84-year old Korean War veteran; retired Air Force Col. Joe M. Jackson, an
85-year old Vietnam War veteran; and retired Army Col. Robert L. Howard, a
69-year old Vietnam veteran. |
Obama and the medal recipients walked together
toward a large flowered wreath, bearing the words, "Medal of Honor
Day," that soldiers carried on a stand and placed between them and
the Tomb. Obama then placed his hands on the wreath. As a drum roll
began, and Taps was played, the president the four heroes placed
their right hands on their hearts.
The assembled medal recipients formed a receiving line as the
president stopped to shake hands and talk briefly with each one.
"Members of our Armed Forces hold themselves to
the highest standards and set an example of responsibility to one
another and to the country that should inspire all Americans to
serve a purpose greater than themselves." Obama said. "Today we pay
our respect to those who distinguished themselves conspicuously by
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life
above and beyond the call of duty - the recipients of the Medal of
Honor.
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President Barack Obama, accompanied by Medal of Honor
recipients, lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National
Cemetery during National Medal of Honor Day at Arlington National Cemetery,
March 25, 2009. in a statement, Obama described Medal of Honor recipients as
"foremost examples of greatness in service and sacrifice."
U.S. Army photo by Adam Skoczylas |
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President Barack Obama and Army Maj. Gen. Richard
J. Rowe, commander of the Military District of Washington, walk away
from the Tomb of the Unknowns as 35 Medal of Honor recipients
applaud following a wreath-laying ceremony on Arlington National
Cemetery, Va., March 25, 2009. The president joined the recipients
of the nation's highest military decoration for a National Medal of
Honor Day event at the cemetery.
White House photo by Pete Souza |
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"Since it was first awarded during the Civil War
to the current battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, Medal of Honor
recipients have displayed tremendous courage, an unfailing
determination to succeed, and a humbling willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice," he said.
"It is telling that so many Medal of Honor recipients received the award
posthumously. These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsman
embody the best of American values and ideals.
"Medal of Honor recipients are the foremost example of greatness in service and
sacrifice," Obama continued. "Their bravery and humble strength continues to
reassure our nation of the strength of its character and ideals even in these
difficult times. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude that our nation can
never fully repay.In a White House statement
released later in the day, the president praised all who wear the uniform of the
nation's armed forces and singled out Medal of Honor recipients, |
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who he characterized as the “bravest of the
brave.” |
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"So, it is on this day that we salute that fact and celebrate
their lives and heroic actions that have placed them amongst the "bravest of the
brave," he said. "We must never forget their sacrifice and will always keep the
Fallen and their families in our thoughts and prayers." | |
American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2009
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