President Pays Tribute to Fallen Soldiers today at Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is home to many of America’s fallen military heroes who died in the line of duty in defense of this country and the freedoms we enjoy. Today, Memorial Day, is the day we all pause to pay our respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

At Arlington today, President Obama, the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, along with other military leaders, took part in a ceremony to honor America’s dead soldiers. As part of the ceremony, the President laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldiers.

The President delivered a moving speech to the crowd, which included family members of many of the fallen. During the speech, the President reminded us that while many use the Memorial Day holiday as an opportunity to enjoy a 3-day weekend, the true purpose of the day is to honor our soldiers who have given everything so that we can continue to enjoy our freedoms.

In the backdrop of the President, the other leaders of the military, and the ceremony, were the family members of the dead. For them, today at Arlington National Cemetery is a pilgrimage. Many will spend most of the day visiting with their loved ones buried at the cemetery, and bonding with other families who made the pilgrimage as well.

“Today is about them” said the President during his speech. Today is about remembering those who gave everything to protect us all – their families can be proud.