Obama’s Arlington vow: ‘We must do more’
WASHINGTON— President Barack Obama paid tribute Monday to fallen military men and women during aMemorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery amid a veterans’ care scandal.
Hours earlier, Obama returned from a surprise trip to Afghanistan, where he thanked troops for a mission that will conclude formally at the end of this year. The president said more has to be done to make sure those who served in the armed forces abroad are treated well when they come home.
“We rededicate ourselves to our sacred obligations to all whowear America’s uniform and to the families who stand by them always,” Obama said, pledging that troops would have needed resources, and that the United Stateswould continue to search for those who are missing or are prisoners ofwar.
“Aswe’ve been reminded in recent days, we must do more to keep faith with our veterans and their families and ensure they get the care and benefits and opportunities that they’ve earned and that they deserve,” he said.
The Obama administration has been stung by allegations that veterans have suffered delays in getting health care, and that the Department of Veterans Affairs engaged in mismanagement and cover-ups.
Before his remarks, Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a yearly ritual.
Obama singled out those who served in Afghanistan, including the men and women he met on a roughly four-hour trip Sunday to Bagram Air Field.
“Our troops are coming home. By the end of this year, ourwar in Afghanistan will finally come to an end.”