President Obama Visits Arlington National Cemetery To Honor Veterans

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama urged the nation to keep veterans in their thoughts long after Veterans Day and ensure that they receive the care and benefits they've earned.

Participating in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, the president said the nation is boosting funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs and making progress on longstanding problems such as veteran homelessness and in reducing a backlog of disability claims. But other problems must still be addressed.

He said the nation is in the midst of a new wave of veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. He asked communities and businesses to consider hiring veterans as they fill job openings. He said some 200,000 veterans are returning to civilian life every year.

The president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and led the remarks at an annual observance intended to honor and thank all who have served in the armed forces.

Earlier in the day, the president had a breakfast reception with veterans and their families in the East Room of the White House.

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