At Flanders Field, Obama Pays Tribute To Fallen Troops From WWI

WAREGEM, Belgium (AP) — President Barack Obama is paying tribute to American troops who died a century ago in the struggle to save Europe in World War I.

Obama has laid a wreath at a memorial at Flanders Field in Belgium. That's where hundreds of fallen U.S. troops who helped liberate Belgium are buried.

Obama says the visit reminds us never to take progress for granted. He says Belgium and the U.S. stand together forever for freedom, dignity and the triumph of the human spirit.

To those buried at the site, Obama says, quote, "We can say we caught the torch. We kept the faith."

Obama says the lessons of World War I are still relevant. His pointing to ongoing efforts to rid Syria of chemical weapons, which were also used at this site.