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Veterans Day Arlington National Cemetery 2011 |
Heralding the end of one war and the drawdown of another, President Obama observed Veterans Day on Friday by urging Americans to hire the thousands of servicemen and women coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan.
In remarks at Arlington National Cemetery, he called it “a time when America needs all hands on deck.”
In Afghanistan and Iraq, “The tide of war is receding,” Obama said. “My fellow Americans, our troops are coming home.”
He added that for many, “this holiday season will be a season of homecomings.”
Obama spoke a day after the Senate passed his proposal to give companies tax credits for hiring jobless veterans.
“Our economy needs their talents and specialized skills,” he said.
Earlier, with the aid of an honor guard, Obama placed a floral wreath on a pedestal in front of the marble Tomb of the Unknowns, then stood hand over his heart as a bugler played taps. A bell tolled and flags fluttered. Military Times