1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,000 2 00:00:23,709 --> 00:00:24,709 Thank you , 3 00:00:39,029 --> 00:00:40,669 please . That . 4 00:00:43,040 --> 00:00:43,669 Oh , 5 00:01:59,970 --> 00:02:00,970 right . 6 00:02:09,309 --> 00:02:11,350 Oh , like , 7 00:02:13,259 --> 00:02:13,899 oh , 8 00:02:38,059 --> 00:02:40,110 pray that . 9 00:02:42,320 --> 00:02:42,970 Oh . 10 00:04:50,329 --> 00:04:52,149 Oh , Right . 11 00:04:53,989 --> 00:04:54,529 Oh , 12 00:05:54,119 --> 00:05:56,730 the wreath ceremony is now complete . 13 00:05:56,750 --> 00:05:59,010 The Memorial Day observance will begin 14 00:05:59,019 --> 00:06:02,010 momentarily . Please move to your seats . 15 00:06:09,640 --> 00:06:10,640 Yeah , 16 00:09:47,940 --> 00:09:48,940 I 17 00:09:59,359 --> 00:10:00,359 what , uh , 18 00:10:27,280 --> 00:10:29,210 take charge of your units 19 00:10:32,559 --> 00:10:35,260 first home ? What , what , what ? 20 00:10:39,440 --> 00:10:42,210 Oh , yes , 21 00:10:44,469 --> 00:10:47,830 course . Ok . Yeah . 22 00:10:55,940 --> 00:10:56,940 Oh . 23 00:11:00,010 --> 00:11:00,849 Oh , hi . 24 00:11:08,500 --> 00:11:10,119 They're force too . Oh . 25 00:11:14,229 --> 00:11:14,739 Or 26 00:11:18,090 --> 00:11:21,219 Coast Guard for two . Oh , now , thanks . 27 00:11:33,039 --> 00:11:34,039 No , 28 00:11:47,739 --> 00:11:48,469 for word 29 00:12:08,359 --> 00:12:10,390 by the Secretary of Defense and the 30 00:12:10,400 --> 00:12:13,390 chairman of the joint chiefs of staff , 31 00:13:12,020 --> 00:13:13,989 distinguished guests , chaplain , 32 00:13:14,000 --> 00:13:16,940 Colonel James Foster Command , chaplain , 33 00:13:17,099 --> 00:13:19,679 joint task force , National capital 34 00:13:19,690 --> 00:13:22,109 region and the United States Army 35 00:13:22,119 --> 00:13:26,080 military district of Washington . I 36 00:13:26,090 --> 00:13:28,840 invite you to bow your heads with 37 00:13:28,849 --> 00:13:31,580 humble and grateful hearts . As I now 38 00:13:31,590 --> 00:13:35,330 pray on this memorial 39 00:13:35,340 --> 00:13:38,400 day , I lift my voice and thanks to the 40 00:13:38,409 --> 00:13:42,299 Almighty and amazing God . I thank you 41 00:13:42,309 --> 00:13:45,700 for the sacrifices made for the blood 42 00:13:45,710 --> 00:13:48,440 that was shed for the hearts that were 43 00:13:48,450 --> 00:13:51,950 broken , for our freedoms , for our 44 00:13:51,960 --> 00:13:55,320 salvation , for the lives we enjoy 45 00:13:55,330 --> 00:13:59,080 today . And tomorrow , God death 46 00:13:59,090 --> 00:14:02,229 is so very real and the grave is 47 00:14:02,239 --> 00:14:05,989 undeniable , but it is not the end . 48 00:14:06,700 --> 00:14:08,950 We continue to stand and we continue to 49 00:14:08,960 --> 00:14:11,440 unite together in strength and have a 50 00:14:11,450 --> 00:14:14,049 hope in the victories to come 51 00:14:15,409 --> 00:14:17,750 in . My feeble attempt to do so . Lord , 52 00:14:18,640 --> 00:14:20,973 along with all those around this nation , 53 00:14:20,973 --> 00:14:23,630 I call upon you to help us as a people 54 00:14:23,640 --> 00:14:26,250 to uphold the ideals of this great 55 00:14:26,260 --> 00:14:29,059 nation that we might stand , 56 00:14:29,440 --> 00:14:32,320 resolute with our forefathers and 57 00:14:32,330 --> 00:14:34,386 declare with confidence . These same 58 00:14:34,386 --> 00:14:36,840 words inscribed on the marble above 59 00:14:37,080 --> 00:14:39,979 that those who died who lie in the 60 00:14:39,989 --> 00:14:43,049 hallowed grounds around us and around 61 00:14:43,059 --> 00:14:46,059 the globe whom we honor today did not 62 00:14:46,070 --> 00:14:50,020 give their lives in vain . We honor 63 00:14:50,030 --> 00:14:53,330 them Lord with our devoted lives . 64 00:14:53,830 --> 00:14:56,440 Grant us your strength to embolden the 65 00:14:56,450 --> 00:14:59,890 weak . Give courage to do what is right 66 00:15:00,820 --> 00:15:03,700 and give us a unity of spirit to bind 67 00:15:03,710 --> 00:15:07,059 us together . God stir us awaken 68 00:15:07,070 --> 00:15:10,190 us , help us to walk by faith and give 69 00:15:10,200 --> 00:15:13,020 you glory in your holy name . I pray 70 00:15:13,530 --> 00:15:17,260 amen . Please remain 71 00:15:17,270 --> 00:15:19,429 standing for the United States Navy 72 00:15:19,440 --> 00:15:21,559 band and sea chanters , chorus in 73 00:15:21,570 --> 00:15:23,237 singing our national anthem . 74 00:16:11,299 --> 00:16:11,650 Aye . 75 00:16:42,349 --> 00:16:44,770 Please be seated . Thank you . 76 00:16:46,599 --> 00:16:47,599 This 77 00:16:52,780 --> 00:16:55,770 distinguished guests , General Mark 78 00:16:55,780 --> 00:16:56,780 Milley , 79 00:17:08,359 --> 00:17:11,739 Mr President , Doctor Biden , madam , 80 00:17:11,749 --> 00:17:15,030 vice President , Mr Aff Secretary 81 00:17:15,040 --> 00:17:17,489 Austin , fellow joint chiefs of staff 82 00:17:17,500 --> 00:17:20,040 and spouses , distinguished guests , 83 00:17:20,050 --> 00:17:22,161 fellow Americans and most importantly 84 00:17:22,770 --> 00:17:25,619 gold star families . Welcome to all . 85 00:17:26,510 --> 00:17:29,489 Today , we join in remembrance of the 86 00:17:29,500 --> 00:17:33,449 155th observance of memorial day . It 87 00:17:33,459 --> 00:17:35,515 is a day of profound significance in 88 00:17:35,515 --> 00:17:38,040 the legacy of our nation . On this day , 89 00:17:38,050 --> 00:17:40,290 we remember the over one million 90 00:17:40,300 --> 00:17:42,910 Americans who took their last breath on 91 00:17:42,920 --> 00:17:45,489 the bedrock of liberty , supporting the 92 00:17:45,500 --> 00:17:48,099 eternal cause of freedom . Their 93 00:17:48,109 --> 00:17:49,776 unwavering commitment , their 94 00:17:49,776 --> 00:17:53,180 dedication to freedom , their echoes to 95 00:17:53,189 --> 00:17:56,270 the ages reminding us of our sacred 96 00:17:56,280 --> 00:17:59,599 duty to remember . And behind every one 97 00:17:59,609 --> 00:18:03,050 of these men and women is a family , a 98 00:18:03,060 --> 00:18:06,390 husband or a wife , a mother or a 99 00:18:06,400 --> 00:18:09,770 father , a brother or a sister , son , 100 00:18:10,380 --> 00:18:13,619 her daughter for these families 101 00:18:14,229 --> 00:18:16,760 every day is Memorial Day . And they 102 00:18:16,770 --> 00:18:19,430 each carry on the dreams that are 103 00:18:19,439 --> 00:18:22,119 fallen could never fully realize 104 00:18:23,260 --> 00:18:26,349 this land where we stand today 105 00:18:27,119 --> 00:18:29,819 once housed three Fort Sentinels which 106 00:18:29,829 --> 00:18:32,051 overlooked and defended Washington DC . 107 00:18:32,839 --> 00:18:36,780 But now it serves a purpose . It is the 108 00:18:36,790 --> 00:18:39,229 final resting place of our nation's 109 00:18:39,239 --> 00:18:42,790 bravest , a quiet testament to their 110 00:18:42,800 --> 00:18:45,310 sacrifice . We gather on these sacred 111 00:18:45,319 --> 00:18:48,800 grounds where over 400,000 are buried 112 00:18:49,739 --> 00:18:52,099 here at Arlington National cemeteries , 113 00:18:52,109 --> 00:18:55,489 85 cemeteries , 85 sections . They tell 114 00:18:55,500 --> 00:18:58,969 the story of our nation . A narrative 115 00:18:58,979 --> 00:19:01,709 not written in ink but written in valor 116 00:19:01,719 --> 00:19:05,030 and sacrifice . This cemetery paints 117 00:19:05,040 --> 00:19:08,310 the picture of the cost required for 118 00:19:08,319 --> 00:19:11,760 all of us to remain free . Some here 119 00:19:11,770 --> 00:19:13,770 are buried amongst their family and 120 00:19:13,829 --> 00:19:17,030 legacies which transcend generations . 121 00:19:17,310 --> 00:19:19,839 Others are best friends who fought 122 00:19:19,849 --> 00:19:22,560 together , died together and now lay an 123 00:19:22,569 --> 00:19:25,130 eternal rest together , their bonds 124 00:19:25,140 --> 00:19:28,569 forged in battle unbroken even by 125 00:19:28,579 --> 00:19:31,660 death . Yet our nation's fallen are not 126 00:19:31,670 --> 00:19:33,614 only represented on these hallowed 127 00:19:33,614 --> 00:19:35,837 grounds . They are represented on every 128 00:19:35,837 --> 00:19:38,030 piece of land where American blood has 129 00:19:38,040 --> 00:19:40,150 been spilled in the service of our 130 00:19:40,160 --> 00:19:42,949 country , sailors lie forever entombed 131 00:19:42,959 --> 00:19:45,660 in a twisted hall of the US S Arizona 132 00:19:45,670 --> 00:19:48,400 resting in the seabed at Pearl Harbor 133 00:19:48,910 --> 00:19:52,609 and the white headstones of 9387 134 00:19:52,619 --> 00:19:55,099 Americans enshrined outside Saint 135 00:19:55,109 --> 00:19:57,770 Laurent . So in France , overlooking 136 00:19:57,780 --> 00:20:01,750 the sands of Omaha Beach , as well as 137 00:20:01,760 --> 00:20:04,719 the more than 81,500 Americans who 138 00:20:04,729 --> 00:20:07,359 still remain missing . Our sons and 139 00:20:07,369 --> 00:20:09,425 daughters , brothers and sisters who 140 00:20:09,425 --> 00:20:12,819 have never returned home , the search 141 00:20:13,020 --> 00:20:15,979 for these missing will continue until 142 00:20:15,989 --> 00:20:18,100 they are all brought home . It is our 143 00:20:18,100 --> 00:20:20,380 final solemn promise to these heroes , 144 00:20:20,390 --> 00:20:24,109 their families and to our nation . Each 145 00:20:24,119 --> 00:20:26,069 of these Americans epitomize our 146 00:20:26,079 --> 00:20:28,349 tradition of honor the ethos which 147 00:20:28,359 --> 00:20:30,819 defines our armed forces and defines 148 00:20:30,829 --> 00:20:33,910 our nation individually . They 149 00:20:33,920 --> 00:20:36,739 represent the single life cut short 150 00:20:37,310 --> 00:20:39,849 life events never accomplished . We 151 00:20:39,859 --> 00:20:42,050 feel their absence in the very depths 152 00:20:42,060 --> 00:20:44,430 of our hearts , but together they 153 00:20:44,439 --> 00:20:46,719 represent the indomitable spirit of the 154 00:20:46,729 --> 00:20:48,810 American military . They are a 155 00:20:48,819 --> 00:20:51,130 permanent reminder that freedom is a 156 00:20:51,140 --> 00:20:54,060 gift to us all , a gift paid for by 157 00:20:54,069 --> 00:20:56,390 those who gave in the words of Lincoln , 158 00:20:56,400 --> 00:20:59,560 the last full measure of devotion . And 159 00:20:59,569 --> 00:21:03,150 today , today we honor them , we 160 00:21:03,160 --> 00:21:06,229 remember them and today we say their 161 00:21:06,239 --> 00:21:09,030 names and in doing so , we ensure their 162 00:21:09,040 --> 00:21:12,780 sacrifice will never be forgotten . We 163 00:21:12,790 --> 00:21:15,619 will forever walk among these giants as 164 00:21:15,630 --> 00:21:18,739 we continue to uphold the cause for 165 00:21:18,750 --> 00:21:21,489 which they died , the cause of America 166 00:21:22,160 --> 00:21:23,827 which will endure through all 167 00:21:23,827 --> 00:21:26,540 challenges . In fact , there , the 168 00:21:26,550 --> 00:21:29,250 greatest honor that we can bestow upon 169 00:21:29,260 --> 00:21:32,430 those who have fallen the way to 170 00:21:32,439 --> 00:21:35,619 remember them . The best is to 171 00:21:35,630 --> 00:21:39,270 ensure that this idea of freedom , that 172 00:21:39,280 --> 00:21:41,391 the Constitution of the United States 173 00:21:41,391 --> 00:21:43,502 of America . The idea that is America 174 00:21:43,502 --> 00:21:46,680 will continue for our posterity and 175 00:21:46,689 --> 00:21:48,689 shall not perish from this earth . 176 00:21:48,699 --> 00:21:49,410 Thank you , 177 00:21:57,109 --> 00:21:59,410 distinguished guests , the United 178 00:21:59,420 --> 00:22:01,599 States Navy band and the Sea chanters 179 00:22:01,609 --> 00:22:04,750 chorus will perform . This land is your 180 00:22:04,760 --> 00:22:05,300 land . 181 00:22:24,969 --> 00:22:26,199 As I went , 182 00:22:31,160 --> 00:22:31,670 I saw 183 00:22:37,280 --> 00:22:38,050 I so 184 00:22:44,359 --> 00:22:47,079 this it was made for you . 185 00:22:52,640 --> 00:22:56,170 Yes . Nice 186 00:23:04,969 --> 00:23:07,300 culture . Yeah . 187 00:23:13,959 --> 00:23:14,959 Yeah . 188 00:23:33,939 --> 00:23:37,890 To the swirling signs off tied 189 00:23:37,930 --> 00:23:40,530 in um 190 00:23:43,560 --> 00:23:44,530 voice was so 191 00:23:52,569 --> 00:23:53,319 when the sun 192 00:23:59,380 --> 00:24:02,540 field to your plan ? 193 00:24:05,959 --> 00:24:06,959 Yeah , 194 00:24:11,540 --> 00:24:11,829 they 195 00:24:16,859 --> 00:24:20,859 stand . It's not 196 00:24:30,810 --> 00:24:32,239 listen to the country , 197 00:24:34,920 --> 00:24:35,920 right ? 198 00:24:51,150 --> 00:24:52,209 Yeah . Yeah . 199 00:25:25,949 --> 00:25:26,949 Yes . 200 00:25:56,930 --> 00:25:59,880 Distinguished guests , the honorable 201 00:25:59,890 --> 00:26:00,920 Lloyd Austin . 202 00:26:10,660 --> 00:26:12,604 Well , let's give the band and the 203 00:26:12,604 --> 00:26:14,660 chorus . Another round of applause . 204 00:26:14,660 --> 00:26:14,449 That was absolutely 205 00:26:21,829 --> 00:26:24,051 well , good morning , President Biden . 206 00:26:24,051 --> 00:26:27,189 Doctor Biden , Vice President Harris Mr 207 00:26:27,199 --> 00:26:29,670 Imhoff , distinguished guest . I am 208 00:26:29,680 --> 00:26:31,847 absolutely honored to be here with you 209 00:26:31,847 --> 00:26:34,109 this morning and thank you General 210 00:26:34,119 --> 00:26:37,189 Milley for your leadership to our gold 211 00:26:37,199 --> 00:26:39,800 star families and to all who remember a 212 00:26:39,810 --> 00:26:43,410 fallen American hero today . I know 213 00:26:43,420 --> 00:26:46,160 that each memorial day brings new waves 214 00:26:46,170 --> 00:26:50,119 of both pride and pain and on behalf 215 00:26:50,130 --> 00:26:52,750 of the Department of Defense , please 216 00:26:52,760 --> 00:26:55,439 accept our country's deepest gratitude 217 00:26:55,959 --> 00:26:58,660 for all that you have given and our 218 00:26:58,670 --> 00:27:01,209 deepest sympathies for all that you 219 00:27:01,219 --> 00:27:05,189 have lost . We pledge again today 220 00:27:05,199 --> 00:27:07,560 to ensure that you and your families 221 00:27:07,839 --> 00:27:09,989 have the support that you need and 222 00:27:10,000 --> 00:27:13,140 deserve . You will always be a part of 223 00:27:13,150 --> 00:27:16,099 our military family and we hold in our 224 00:27:16,109 --> 00:27:19,449 hearts . All those who fail to defend 225 00:27:19,459 --> 00:27:23,229 the country that they love . Each of 226 00:27:23,239 --> 00:27:26,859 them has a story and one of the stories 227 00:27:26,869 --> 00:27:30,630 of the graves here at Arlington belongs 228 00:27:30,640 --> 00:27:33,869 to chaplain Charles Waters . He was a 229 00:27:33,880 --> 00:27:36,949 Catholic priest who signed up to serve 230 00:27:36,959 --> 00:27:40,770 during the Vietnam War and to support 231 00:27:40,780 --> 00:27:44,119 his teammates in body and soul . 232 00:27:45,040 --> 00:27:47,439 And after a year long deployment , he 233 00:27:47,449 --> 00:27:50,300 volunteered to extend his tour for 234 00:27:50,310 --> 00:27:54,290 another six months . In one 235 00:27:54,300 --> 00:27:58,130 November day in 1967 his battalion hit 236 00:27:58,140 --> 00:28:01,910 fierce fighting . Chaplain , waters ran 237 00:28:01,920 --> 00:28:05,900 unarmed into the battle , exposed 238 00:28:05,910 --> 00:28:08,290 to mortar fire , bullets and automatic 239 00:28:08,300 --> 00:28:10,640 weapons . He helped get wounded 240 00:28:10,650 --> 00:28:13,630 soldiers to safety and he gave last 241 00:28:13,640 --> 00:28:17,079 rights to the foreign . At one point , 242 00:28:17,089 --> 00:28:20,180 he saw a US paratrooper in shock in the 243 00:28:20,239 --> 00:28:22,099 and in the line of enemy fire . 244 00:28:22,849 --> 00:28:25,180 Chaplain waters hoisted the paratrooper 245 00:28:25,189 --> 00:28:27,609 on his shoulders and carried him to 246 00:28:27,619 --> 00:28:31,589 safety . Tragically later 247 00:28:31,599 --> 00:28:33,760 that day , chaplain Waters was killed 248 00:28:34,949 --> 00:28:37,119 and for his extraordinary heroism , 249 00:28:37,750 --> 00:28:41,540 this paratrooper patriot and priest 250 00:28:41,989 --> 00:28:44,400 who volunteered twice wants to serve 251 00:28:44,410 --> 00:28:47,819 and wants to extend his tour was 252 00:28:47,829 --> 00:28:50,790 posthumously awarded the medal of honor . 253 00:28:53,459 --> 00:28:57,119 This year our country celebrates the 254 00:28:57,130 --> 00:29:00,069 50th anniversary of our all volunteer 255 00:29:00,079 --> 00:29:03,959 force in the life of Charles Walters . 256 00:29:04,890 --> 00:29:07,869 Charles Waters offered a preview of the 257 00:29:07,880 --> 00:29:10,569 vigor and the valor of the American 258 00:29:10,579 --> 00:29:12,801 warriors who have chosen to step up and 259 00:29:12,801 --> 00:29:15,890 serve from 1973 until this day , 260 00:29:17,000 --> 00:29:19,020 our all volunteer force has blended 261 00:29:19,030 --> 00:29:22,339 military power with moral power 262 00:29:22,839 --> 00:29:25,349 and combine the force of American arms 263 00:29:25,660 --> 00:29:28,020 with the strength of people who freely 264 00:29:28,030 --> 00:29:30,890 choose to stand guard over our 265 00:29:30,900 --> 00:29:34,800 democracy . In 1970 the 266 00:29:34,810 --> 00:29:36,421 Gates Commission recommended 267 00:29:36,421 --> 00:29:39,849 eliminating conscription and its formal 268 00:29:39,859 --> 00:29:42,800 report predicted that an all volunteer 269 00:29:42,810 --> 00:29:46,390 force will strengthen our freedoms and 270 00:29:46,400 --> 00:29:49,250 our armed forces . And it did 271 00:29:50,599 --> 00:29:52,810 every time a qualified American stands 272 00:29:52,819 --> 00:29:55,829 up and raises their hand and serves 273 00:29:55,839 --> 00:29:58,239 with honor from any corner of the 274 00:29:58,250 --> 00:30:00,361 country , from any background , color 275 00:30:00,361 --> 00:30:03,180 or creed . This exceptional nation 276 00:30:03,189 --> 00:30:05,969 becomes even safer and stronger . 277 00:30:09,420 --> 00:30:11,949 Every fallen hero has a story . 278 00:30:13,400 --> 00:30:15,939 It is our duty to remember those we 279 00:30:15,949 --> 00:30:19,589 have lost . It is our honor to stand 280 00:30:19,599 --> 00:30:22,599 with their families and it is our 281 00:30:22,609 --> 00:30:26,060 sacred obligation to remember all that 282 00:30:26,069 --> 00:30:29,630 you have given . So let us strive to 283 00:30:29,640 --> 00:30:32,530 honor the memory of our fallen by 284 00:30:32,540 --> 00:30:35,349 writing the next chapters in American 285 00:30:35,359 --> 00:30:37,939 America's story of service . 286 00:30:39,270 --> 00:30:42,290 Let us stand with all who pledge their 287 00:30:42,300 --> 00:30:45,750 lives to defend human freedom and let 288 00:30:45,760 --> 00:30:47,699 us come together as one nation to 289 00:30:47,709 --> 00:30:49,670 strengthen our democracy . 290 00:30:53,410 --> 00:30:55,632 Ladies and gentlemen , our commander in 291 00:30:55,632 --> 00:30:58,359 chief has long been a champion of our 292 00:30:58,369 --> 00:31:02,000 men and women in uniform and other 293 00:31:02,010 --> 00:31:03,899 military families who serve right 294 00:31:03,899 --> 00:31:06,989 alongside them . And on this day of 295 00:31:07,000 --> 00:31:10,750 sorrow and service , it is my absolute 296 00:31:10,760 --> 00:31:13,439 honor to introduce the president of the 297 00:31:13,449 --> 00:31:14,400 United States . 298 00:31:26,160 --> 00:31:29,920 Thank you . Thank you . 299 00:31:29,930 --> 00:31:31,763 Thank you . Thank you , please . 300 00:31:35,229 --> 00:31:39,199 155 years ago , retired 301 00:31:39,209 --> 00:31:42,520 Union General James Garfield 302 00:31:42,780 --> 00:31:46,089 spoke here at Arlington marking our 303 00:31:46,099 --> 00:31:48,680 nation's first memorial day , 304 00:31:49,689 --> 00:31:52,390 standing amid rows and rows of marble 305 00:31:52,400 --> 00:31:55,599 stones , many of his own fallen 306 00:31:55,609 --> 00:31:58,459 soldiers among them . He asked , 307 00:31:59,229 --> 00:32:01,880 what brought these men here ? 308 00:32:03,160 --> 00:32:06,959 What high motive led them to 309 00:32:06,969 --> 00:32:10,280 welcome death ? And he answered his own 310 00:32:10,290 --> 00:32:14,069 question , our nation's life , 311 00:32:15,599 --> 00:32:18,599 my fellow Americans . You vice 312 00:32:18,609 --> 00:32:20,720 President , Harris , second gentleman 313 00:32:20,720 --> 00:32:23,530 and secretary , Austin , Secretary 314 00:32:23,540 --> 00:32:27,369 mcdonough , Secretary General Milley , 315 00:32:28,000 --> 00:32:30,959 and uh most importantly , veterans , 316 00:32:31,180 --> 00:32:33,569 servicemen and women and their 317 00:32:33,579 --> 00:32:37,310 survivors . Today , we once 318 00:32:37,319 --> 00:32:40,339 again gather in this sacred place at 319 00:32:40,349 --> 00:32:43,469 this solemn hour to honor 320 00:32:43,520 --> 00:32:47,369 fallen heroes to once 321 00:32:47,380 --> 00:32:49,491 again stand amid the rows and rows of 322 00:32:49,491 --> 00:32:52,780 marble stones and bear witness to the 323 00:32:52,790 --> 00:32:55,810 brave women and men who served and 324 00:32:55,819 --> 00:32:58,719 sacrificed for our freedom and for our 325 00:32:58,729 --> 00:33:02,579 future , those who died . 326 00:33:03,130 --> 00:33:06,579 So our nation might live every 327 00:33:06,589 --> 00:33:10,109 year as a nation . We 328 00:33:10,119 --> 00:33:12,780 undertake this right of remembrance . 329 00:33:14,469 --> 00:33:17,209 We must never forget the price that was 330 00:33:17,219 --> 00:33:21,060 paid to protect our democracy . Must 331 00:33:21,069 --> 00:33:24,229 never forget the lives . These 332 00:33:24,239 --> 00:33:27,469 flags , flowers and marble 333 00:33:27,479 --> 00:33:31,380 markers represent a mother , a 334 00:33:31,390 --> 00:33:35,390 father , a son , a daughter , a sister , 335 00:33:35,400 --> 00:33:38,310 a spouse , a friend 336 00:33:39,380 --> 00:33:42,560 and America . Every 337 00:33:42,569 --> 00:33:46,160 year we remember and every 338 00:33:46,170 --> 00:33:49,719 year it never gets easier 339 00:33:50,380 --> 00:33:52,650 to all those here and across the nation 340 00:33:53,660 --> 00:33:56,510 who are grieving the loss of a loved 341 00:33:56,520 --> 00:34:00,349 one who wore the uniform , our gold 342 00:34:00,359 --> 00:34:03,750 star families , for all those 343 00:34:05,300 --> 00:34:07,189 with loved ones still missing and 344 00:34:07,189 --> 00:34:10,948 unaccounted for . I know how 345 00:34:10,958 --> 00:34:14,300 painful it can be , how it can reopen 346 00:34:14,310 --> 00:34:17,129 that rip open that black hole in the 347 00:34:17,139 --> 00:34:19,639 center of your chest . You feel like 348 00:34:19,649 --> 00:34:22,219 you're just sinking into bringing you 349 00:34:22,229 --> 00:34:25,349 back to that , that exact moment you 350 00:34:25,358 --> 00:34:28,250 heard that knock on the door where the 351 00:34:28,260 --> 00:34:31,898 telephone ring , the exact moment 352 00:34:32,620 --> 00:34:35,760 you had to tell your Children and mom 353 00:34:35,770 --> 00:34:38,699 or dad would not be coming home . 354 00:34:40,199 --> 00:34:43,928 The hurt is still real . It's 355 00:34:43,938 --> 00:34:47,908 still raw . Tomorrow marks 356 00:34:47,918 --> 00:34:50,188 eight years since we lost our son . Be 357 00:34:52,219 --> 00:34:55,979 our loss are not the same . He didn't 358 00:34:55,989 --> 00:34:59,080 perish in the battlefield was cancer 359 00:34:59,090 --> 00:35:01,840 that stole him from us . A year after 360 00:35:01,850 --> 00:35:05,439 being deployed as a major in the United 361 00:35:05,449 --> 00:35:08,209 States Army National Guard in Iraq 362 00:35:10,959 --> 00:35:14,330 as it is for so many of you , the pain 363 00:35:14,340 --> 00:35:18,060 of the loss is with us every day but 364 00:35:18,070 --> 00:35:21,350 particularly sharp on Memorial Day , 365 00:35:22,530 --> 00:35:26,330 still clear . Tomorrow's anniversary . 366 00:35:28,020 --> 00:35:31,270 But so is the pride Jill and I feel 367 00:35:31,280 --> 00:35:34,679 this service is if I can still hear him 368 00:35:34,689 --> 00:35:38,159 saying , dad , it's my duty , 369 00:35:38,169 --> 00:35:40,520 dad . It's my duty , 370 00:35:41,750 --> 00:35:45,229 duty . That was the 371 00:35:45,239 --> 00:35:49,199 code my son lived by and all those 372 00:35:49,209 --> 00:35:53,209 you lost live by . It's the creed and 373 00:35:53,219 --> 00:35:55,052 millions of service members have 374 00:35:55,052 --> 00:35:57,469 followed from the fields of York Town 375 00:35:58,030 --> 00:36:01,280 to the shores of Normandy to the rice 376 00:36:01,290 --> 00:36:05,020 patties of , to the valleys of Kandahar 377 00:36:05,030 --> 00:36:07,870 in the mountains of Sinjar and beyond 378 00:36:08,770 --> 00:36:12,000 many of whom never returned home 379 00:36:13,550 --> 00:36:17,000 throughout history . These women and 380 00:36:17,010 --> 00:36:19,739 men laid down their lives , 381 00:36:20,810 --> 00:36:24,419 not for a place or a person or a 382 00:36:24,429 --> 00:36:27,139 president , but for an idea . 383 00:36:28,169 --> 00:36:30,830 Unlike any other idea in all of human 384 00:36:30,840 --> 00:36:34,489 history . The idea , the 385 00:36:34,500 --> 00:36:37,739 idea of the United States of America . 386 00:36:39,060 --> 00:36:42,550 This sanctuary honors that sacrifice 387 00:36:42,889 --> 00:36:46,050 and tells their stories . And in turn , 388 00:36:46,409 --> 00:36:49,770 it tells our story , the American story , 389 00:36:50,449 --> 00:36:54,000 the story of the patron who died to 390 00:36:54,010 --> 00:36:56,310 deliver a nation where everyone is 391 00:36:56,320 --> 00:36:58,979 entitled to certain inalienable rights , 392 00:36:59,639 --> 00:37:03,500 among them life , liberty , the 393 00:37:03,610 --> 00:37:06,629 pursuit of happiness . The story of 394 00:37:06,639 --> 00:37:09,489 hundreds of thousands of soldiers who 395 00:37:09,500 --> 00:37:12,310 shed their blood to make these words 396 00:37:12,320 --> 00:37:16,030 real story of the brave 397 00:37:16,040 --> 00:37:18,370 Americans who fought the forces of 398 00:37:18,379 --> 00:37:21,719 fascism and die for preservation of 399 00:37:21,729 --> 00:37:25,280 democracy . As we're reminded by the 400 00:37:25,290 --> 00:37:27,401 hundreds of grades here in section 60 401 00:37:27,401 --> 00:37:29,770 of Arlington and across our nation . 402 00:37:30,530 --> 00:37:32,474 The story of the women and men who 403 00:37:32,474 --> 00:37:34,840 sacrificed everything to keep democracy 404 00:37:34,850 --> 00:37:37,219 safe and secure . During the last two 405 00:37:37,229 --> 00:37:41,179 decades , each of them , each 406 00:37:41,189 --> 00:37:45,110 of them a link in a chain of honor that 407 00:37:45,120 --> 00:37:47,287 stretches back to our founding fathers 408 00:37:47,287 --> 00:37:50,689 in those days , unb breaking un 409 00:37:50,699 --> 00:37:54,699 bending , not just in their duty and 410 00:37:54,709 --> 00:37:57,840 devotion , but something even deeper 411 00:37:58,350 --> 00:38:02,020 and their faith in us . For faith in us 412 00:38:03,189 --> 00:38:06,090 that we will be worthy of their 413 00:38:06,100 --> 00:38:09,939 sacrifice . Our service members have 414 00:38:09,949 --> 00:38:11,505 always embodied the highest 415 00:38:11,505 --> 00:38:14,449 expectations of our democracy . They've 416 00:38:14,459 --> 00:38:18,100 always held faith in our country and 417 00:38:18,110 --> 00:38:20,449 all that . We could be a citadel of 418 00:38:20,459 --> 00:38:23,129 liberty , a beacon of freedom 419 00:38:24,290 --> 00:38:27,919 for our democracy is our strength , the 420 00:38:27,929 --> 00:38:30,860 wellspring of possibilities and the 421 00:38:30,870 --> 00:38:33,939 source of endless , endless renewal . 422 00:38:34,879 --> 00:38:37,046 It's how we've been able to constantly 423 00:38:37,046 --> 00:38:39,323 change and adapt through the centuries . 424 00:38:39,899 --> 00:38:42,540 It's why we've always emerged from 425 00:38:42,550 --> 00:38:45,659 every challenge we face stronger , then 426 00:38:45,669 --> 00:38:48,899 we entered it . It's how we come 427 00:38:48,909 --> 00:38:52,560 together has one nation united 428 00:38:54,340 --> 00:38:56,739 and why there's nothing we can't do in 429 00:38:56,750 --> 00:38:59,939 America when we do it together . 430 00:39:01,479 --> 00:39:04,300 It's the truth . We celebrate this 431 00:39:04,310 --> 00:39:08,000 year's remark , we mark 75 432 00:39:08,010 --> 00:39:11,500 years of a desegregated military , 75 433 00:39:11,510 --> 00:39:14,649 years of women's full integration . 434 00:39:15,010 --> 00:39:18,699 50 years , all voluntary force 435 00:39:19,810 --> 00:39:22,239 throughout the annals of history . Our 436 00:39:22,290 --> 00:39:24,346 troops have fought for our democracy 437 00:39:24,346 --> 00:39:26,750 and if necessary died for it 438 00:39:27,840 --> 00:39:30,969 today , their service and sacrifice and 439 00:39:30,979 --> 00:39:33,810 that of their families that goes far 440 00:39:33,820 --> 00:39:37,520 beyond those silent stones out there . 441 00:39:39,000 --> 00:39:41,639 We've seen the strength of our NATO 442 00:39:41,709 --> 00:39:45,320 alliance built from the 443 00:39:45,330 --> 00:39:48,770 bars that we forever forged in the 444 00:39:48,780 --> 00:39:52,560 fires of two world wars . We say it , 445 00:39:53,250 --> 00:39:55,750 the troops still standing sentinel on 446 00:39:55,760 --> 00:39:58,850 the Korean Peninsula , preserving peace 447 00:39:58,989 --> 00:40:02,250 side by side with their allies . We've 448 00:40:02,260 --> 00:40:04,709 seen in every base , every barrack , 449 00:40:04,719 --> 00:40:07,629 every vessel around the globe where our 450 00:40:07,639 --> 00:40:11,110 military proudly serves and stands 451 00:40:11,620 --> 00:40:14,669 as a force for good in the world . 452 00:40:16,540 --> 00:40:18,651 And just as they've kept the ultimate 453 00:40:18,651 --> 00:40:20,984 faith to our country , to our democracy , 454 00:40:21,139 --> 00:40:23,469 we must keep the ultimate faith to them 455 00:40:25,070 --> 00:40:28,760 as a nation . And people have heard me 456 00:40:28,770 --> 00:40:31,048 say this for a long time . As a nation , 457 00:40:31,379 --> 00:40:35,110 we have many obligations , but I 458 00:40:35,120 --> 00:40:37,287 believe in every fiber on my beam . We 459 00:40:37,287 --> 00:40:39,659 have only one truly sacred obligation 460 00:40:41,290 --> 00:40:43,389 to prepare those we send into harm's 461 00:40:43,399 --> 00:40:46,500 way and care for them . And their 462 00:40:46,510 --> 00:40:49,350 families when they come home and when 463 00:40:49,360 --> 00:40:52,689 they don't , it's a sacred obligation , 464 00:40:53,860 --> 00:40:56,050 not based on part of your politics , 465 00:40:56,729 --> 00:40:59,840 but on a promise , a promise to unite 466 00:40:59,850 --> 00:41:03,489 all of us . There's nothing more 467 00:41:03,500 --> 00:41:06,689 important , nothing more sacred , 468 00:41:07,689 --> 00:41:11,090 nothing more American and 469 00:41:11,100 --> 00:41:14,209 together over the last 2.5 years , 470 00:41:14,219 --> 00:41:16,108 we've worked to make good on that 471 00:41:16,108 --> 00:41:18,909 promise . Passing more than 25 472 00:41:18,919 --> 00:41:22,110 bipartisan laws to support our service 473 00:41:22,120 --> 00:41:25,290 members for families , caregivers and 474 00:41:25,300 --> 00:41:28,300 survivors . That includes the Pact Act . 475 00:41:28,929 --> 00:41:30,985 Most significant law in our nation's 476 00:41:30,985 --> 00:41:34,080 history . Tell millions of veterans who 477 00:41:34,090 --> 00:41:36,146 were exposed to toxic substances and 478 00:41:36,146 --> 00:41:39,169 burn pits during their military service 479 00:41:39,739 --> 00:41:42,750 pitch the size of football fields that 480 00:41:42,760 --> 00:41:45,590 incinerated the waste of war such as 481 00:41:45,600 --> 00:41:47,610 tires , chemicals , jet fuel and so 482 00:41:47,620 --> 00:41:50,860 much more to many of our nation's 483 00:41:50,870 --> 00:41:53,729 warriors that have served 484 00:41:54,659 --> 00:41:58,600 only to return home and suffer from the 485 00:41:58,610 --> 00:42:00,610 permanent effects of this poison of 486 00:42:00,610 --> 00:42:02,909 smoke . Too many have died . 487 00:42:04,340 --> 00:42:06,451 Excuse the personal reference like my 488 00:42:06,451 --> 00:42:10,189 son be like sergeant first class Heath 489 00:42:10,199 --> 00:42:13,389 Robinson , for whom the actor's name 490 00:42:14,810 --> 00:42:18,760 last year after I signed 491 00:42:18,770 --> 00:42:22,129 the Pact Act , I handed the pen 492 00:42:22,639 --> 00:42:25,739 to his daughter real 493 00:42:27,120 --> 00:42:29,120 she and her grandmother are with us 494 00:42:29,120 --> 00:42:31,929 today after I handed her the pen . 495 00:42:33,050 --> 00:42:35,161 This beautiful little girl is sitting 496 00:42:35,161 --> 00:42:37,340 over there . Thank you Raymond baby . 497 00:42:44,729 --> 00:42:47,479 We lost half of her world . Her whole 498 00:42:47,489 --> 00:42:50,810 world held a pen in her hand 499 00:42:52,360 --> 00:42:53,916 and looked at me and said , 500 00:42:55,850 --> 00:42:58,469 thank you for my daddy . 501 00:42:59,969 --> 00:43:02,179 Thank you for my dad . 502 00:43:03,699 --> 00:43:07,620 God . Love you , honey . But I 503 00:43:07,629 --> 00:43:10,189 don't think she was just thanking me . 504 00:43:10,929 --> 00:43:13,840 She's thanking all of us , everyone who 505 00:43:13,850 --> 00:43:15,850 fought so hard who came together to 506 00:43:15,850 --> 00:43:18,189 keep our promise to our veterans to 507 00:43:18,199 --> 00:43:21,030 keep the faith of our heroes . 508 00:43:23,550 --> 00:43:27,129 On this day , we come together again 509 00:43:27,689 --> 00:43:31,540 to reflect , to remember . But above 510 00:43:31,550 --> 00:43:35,389 all , to recommit to the future . Our 511 00:43:35,399 --> 00:43:38,669 fallen heroes fought for that 512 00:43:38,679 --> 00:43:40,846 generation of service members who died 513 00:43:42,350 --> 00:43:44,479 for a future , grounded in freedom , 514 00:43:45,370 --> 00:43:48,889 democracy , equality , tolerance , 515 00:43:48,899 --> 00:43:52,439 opportunity , and yes , justice . You 516 00:43:52,449 --> 00:43:56,159 use those words all the time . What 517 00:43:56,169 --> 00:43:59,469 we've seen of late here and around the 518 00:43:59,479 --> 00:44:01,870 world that they have to continually be 519 00:44:01,879 --> 00:44:05,840 fought for , not just for some 520 00:44:06,520 --> 00:44:10,360 but for all . This is more 521 00:44:10,370 --> 00:44:12,259 important than just our system of 522 00:44:12,259 --> 00:44:15,429 government . It's the very soul of 523 00:44:15,439 --> 00:44:19,000 America , a soul that was forged 524 00:44:19,600 --> 00:44:22,419 by our nation's first patriots , a soul 525 00:44:22,429 --> 00:44:24,373 that triumphed over our trials and 526 00:44:24,373 --> 00:44:28,070 testing less then a century later , 527 00:44:28,870 --> 00:44:32,199 a soul that endured because of the 528 00:44:32,209 --> 00:44:33,820 sacrifice of generations and 529 00:44:33,820 --> 00:44:36,350 generations of a service members ever 530 00:44:36,360 --> 00:44:40,169 since together , we're not 531 00:44:40,179 --> 00:44:42,346 just the fortunate inheritors of their 532 00:44:42,346 --> 00:44:46,169 legacy . We must be the keeper of their 533 00:44:46,179 --> 00:44:48,719 mission , the bearers of the flame of 534 00:44:48,729 --> 00:44:52,000 freedom . It kept burning bright for 535 00:44:52,010 --> 00:44:55,969 nearly 247 years . That 536 00:44:56,810 --> 00:44:58,810 that's the truest memorial to their 537 00:44:58,810 --> 00:45:01,739 lives . Our actions every day to ensure 538 00:45:01,750 --> 00:45:03,669 that our democracy endures . Our 539 00:45:03,679 --> 00:45:05,979 constitution endures and the soul of 540 00:45:05,989 --> 00:45:09,540 our nation . Our decency endures ladies 541 00:45:09,550 --> 00:45:12,570 and gentlemen , 100 and 55 years ago , 542 00:45:12,580 --> 00:45:14,699 our ancestors stood here and asked 543 00:45:14,709 --> 00:45:18,520 themselves what brought our heroes to 544 00:45:18,530 --> 00:45:22,370 this hallowed ground ? What high motive 545 00:45:23,469 --> 00:45:25,302 led these brave souls as General 546 00:45:25,302 --> 00:45:27,840 Garfield said to welcome death . 547 00:45:29,209 --> 00:45:33,080 Today , we must ask ourselves , what 548 00:45:33,090 --> 00:45:37,010 can we do ? What must we do to pull the 549 00:45:37,020 --> 00:45:39,076 vision for which they lived in which 550 00:45:39,076 --> 00:45:42,780 they died today ? It's on all of us , 551 00:45:42,790 --> 00:45:45,610 all of us to ensure that sacrifice was 552 00:45:45,620 --> 00:45:47,770 not in vain to keep working toward a 553 00:45:47,780 --> 00:45:51,270 more perfect union . One were all women 554 00:45:51,280 --> 00:45:55,280 and all men are created equal . We're 555 00:45:55,290 --> 00:45:58,060 the only nation in the world built on 556 00:45:58,070 --> 00:46:01,929 an idea . Every other nation 557 00:46:02,909 --> 00:46:04,631 is formed based on things like 558 00:46:04,631 --> 00:46:07,510 geography , ethnicity , religion . 559 00:46:08,169 --> 00:46:10,340 We're the only nation in the world 560 00:46:11,239 --> 00:46:14,889 built on an idea that we are all 561 00:46:14,899 --> 00:46:18,500 created equal . We haven't always lived 562 00:46:18,510 --> 00:46:21,179 up to it , but we've never walked away 563 00:46:21,189 --> 00:46:24,770 from it . And today standing 564 00:46:24,780 --> 00:46:28,300 together to honor those Americans who 565 00:46:28,310 --> 00:46:30,770 dared all and gave all for our nation . 566 00:46:31,540 --> 00:46:34,739 We can say clearly , we never will . 567 00:46:35,949 --> 00:46:38,116 God bless you all those who gave their 568 00:46:38,120 --> 00:46:41,290 lives . So our nation might live . God 569 00:46:41,300 --> 00:46:44,040 bless their families and may God 570 00:46:44,050 --> 00:46:47,550 protect our troops today and always 571 00:46:47,659 --> 00:46:48,370 thank you 572 00:47:19,639 --> 00:47:22,209 distinguished guests . Please stand for 573 00:47:22,219 --> 00:47:24,610 the playing of taps and the benediction . 574 00:48:43,570 --> 00:48:46,010 Please receive this closing prayer . 575 00:48:48,290 --> 00:48:51,500 God , those were such solemn tones that 576 00:48:51,510 --> 00:48:55,060 mean so much to us as a nation . I pray 577 00:48:55,070 --> 00:48:57,126 that you grant us the grace to never 578 00:48:57,126 --> 00:48:59,479 forget and to lead lives worthy of the 579 00:48:59,489 --> 00:49:01,739 price paid on our behalf . By those who 580 00:49:01,750 --> 00:49:04,070 have gone on before and those who 581 00:49:04,080 --> 00:49:07,830 continue to serve God 582 00:49:07,840 --> 00:49:09,860 with all humility . I thank you for 583 00:49:09,870 --> 00:49:12,429 your goodness to this nation , to our 584 00:49:12,439 --> 00:49:15,209 service members and their families . 585 00:49:16,429 --> 00:49:18,596 As our president has stated , God , we 586 00:49:18,596 --> 00:49:21,770 have a soul and I pray that you would 587 00:49:21,780 --> 00:49:24,709 help us to align our faith correctly . 588 00:49:24,719 --> 00:49:27,780 And God preserve the soul of this 589 00:49:27,790 --> 00:49:30,489 nation , preserve the souls of those 590 00:49:30,500 --> 00:49:32,611 that serve with great expectation . I 591 00:49:32,611 --> 00:49:34,778 ask you to protect them now , wherever 592 00:49:34,778 --> 00:49:36,909 they may be , for some are in harm's 593 00:49:36,919 --> 00:49:39,820 way this day and many are separated 594 00:49:39,830 --> 00:49:42,739 from the ones they love . Bless our 595 00:49:42,750 --> 00:49:46,399 government , its leaders and provide 596 00:49:46,409 --> 00:49:48,631 Godly counsel and wisdom to guide us in 597 00:49:48,631 --> 00:49:52,290 your will . God , please do bless 598 00:49:52,300 --> 00:49:55,149 America , this nation that we love so 599 00:49:55,159 --> 00:49:58,209 much . It's in your holy name . I pray 600 00:49:58,729 --> 00:50:02,500 amen . Please remain 601 00:50:02,510 --> 00:50:04,739 standing for the singing of God bless 602 00:50:04,750 --> 00:50:07,419 America performed by the United States 603 00:50:07,429 --> 00:50:10,060 Navy band and C Chanters chorus 604 00:50:24,649 --> 00:50:25,479 and it's hard 605 00:50:33,540 --> 00:50:34,540 on the bar . 606 00:51:01,520 --> 00:51:02,520 So , 607 00:51:08,020 --> 00:51:08,870 and the time 608 00:51:16,659 --> 00:51:17,659 on the ball , 609 00:51:55,750 --> 00:51:58,399 distinguished guests , please remain in 610 00:51:58,409 --> 00:52:00,800 place as the official party departs and 611 00:52:00,810 --> 00:52:02,229 the colors are retired .