President Obama Calls for True Remembrance of Nation's Fallen Through Actions

— -- President Obama today 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.

“The Americans who rest here and their families, the best of us, those from whom we asked everything ask of us today only one thing in return, that we remember them,” the president said of the fallen in an address that followed a wreath-laying ceremony at the Virginia cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

True remembrance, the president said, means supporting the families who lost their loved ones and living a life that embodies the values for which the fallen sacrificed their lives.

“Truly honoring these fallen Americans means being there for spouses and their children,” the president said.

The president also said “we have to do better” in true remembrance of the sacrifices made by the veterans still among us by ensuring they are supported in accessing good health care and jobs upon their return home.

“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. “And we have to do better, our work is never done. We have to be there not only when we need them but when they need us.”

And in a reminder that the United States remains a nation engaged in active fighting, the president paused to acknowledge the 20 Americans who have given their lives in Afghanistan since last year’s Memorial Day, as well as three in Iraq in the fight against ISIS.

In an emotional moment, Obama told the story of Master Sgt. Josh Wheeler, who died in Iraq, and whose wife, Ashley, was present at Arlington Ceremony along with their 10-month-old son, David. The audience offered an extended applause as the president paused in recognition of the Wheeler family.

“Today this husband and father rests here at Arlington in Section 60, and as Americans, we resolve to be better, better people, better citizens because of Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler,” the president said.

Prior to his visit to Arlington this morning, the president hosted a breakfast honoring military service organizations at the White House.

The U.S. flag and and the POW/MIA flag are flying at half-staff at the White House today.