The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
Read about President Obama's trip to Arlington National Cemetery to honor the fallen on Memorial Day 2015.
This Memorial Day morning, President Obama traveled to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia to pay solemn tribute to the men and women of our armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
President Barack Obama participates in a Memorial Day wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 25, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Obama continued the tradition of many past presidents before him, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and delivering remarks to those in attendance. The President was also joined by Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Joint Chiefs Chairman Martin Dempsey.
"We are so grateful for them. We are so grateful for the families of our fallen. May God bless our fallen heroes and their families, and all who serve."
— President Obama
During the ceremony, President Obama thanked those who served, and those who continue to serve. “Most Americans don't fully understand the sacrifice of the 1 percent of those who serve in our armed forces,” he said.
President Barack Obama greets former Sen. Bob Dole after a Memorial Day ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington, Va., May 25, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
"The Americans who rest beneath these beautiful hills, and in sacred ground across our country and around the world, they are why our nation endures. Each simple stone marker, arranged in perfect military precision, signifies the cost of our blessings. It is a debt we can never fully repay."
— President Obama
Memorial Day is a sacred holiday in the United States. Traditionally the last Monday in May, Memorial Day commemorates and honors the men and women who have given everything in service of their country.
See President Obama’s full remarks on Memorial Day at Arlington Cemetery here.
And, see a history of other presidents visiting Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day below.
President Truman spoke at Memorial Day services for fallen soldiers several times throughout his presidency.
President Truman speaking at Memorial Day services at the Amphitheatre of Arlington National Cemetery. 5/30/1948. (by the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum)
President Kennedy attends Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. Military color guards line walkway leading up to the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater. 5/30/1963. (by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum)
President Reagan attending a Memorial Day ceremony honoring the Vietnam Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. 5/28/1984. (by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum)
President Clinton also spoke at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day many times during his administration.
President Clinton delivering remarks at Memorial Day proceedings at Arlington National Cemetery. 5/29/2000. (by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum)
