1 00:00:02,329 --> 00:00:03,329 Oh , 2 00:00:23,620 --> 00:00:24,620 I 3 00:01:23,660 --> 00:01:26,940 or right shoulder . 4 00:01:28,500 --> 00:01:29,500 Oh , 5 00:01:52,750 --> 00:01:56,419 we sent free . I 6 00:01:57,230 --> 00:01:59,449 the Reef is now being placed by the 7 00:01:59,459 --> 00:02:00,459 president . 8 00:03:00,020 --> 00:03:01,020 Yeah . 9 00:03:13,649 --> 00:03:14,649 Ok . 10 00:04:10,850 --> 00:04:14,500 Or her right shoulder . 11 00:04:15,809 --> 00:04:16,809 Oh , 12 00:04:24,880 --> 00:04:26,991 the president has paused for a moment 13 00:04:26,991 --> 00:04:27,720 of silence . 14 00:04:47,510 --> 00:04:48,730 Please be seated . 15 00:05:19,790 --> 00:05:22,480 Mm Cera 16 00:05:25,769 --> 00:05:26,769 Council , 17 00:05:55,079 --> 00:05:57,299 the wreath ceremony is now complete . 18 00:05:57,309 --> 00:05:59,476 The memorial day observance will begin 19 00:05:59,476 --> 00:06:02,380 momentarily . Please move to your seats . 20 00:07:53,929 --> 00:07:55,320 Please be seated . 21 00:09:25,150 --> 00:09:26,150 Right . 22 00:09:50,940 --> 00:09:51,940 No 23 00:09:55,059 --> 00:09:58,710 man . Yeah , 24 00:10:03,900 --> 00:10:06,729 distinguished guests , please stand for 25 00:10:06,739 --> 00:10:08,960 the arrival of the official party and 26 00:10:08,969 --> 00:10:11,169 remain standing for the invocation and 27 00:10:11,179 --> 00:10:12,179 national anthem . 28 00:10:37,960 --> 00:10:40,770 Distinguished guests , the president of 29 00:10:40,780 --> 00:10:43,619 the United States , accompanied by the 30 00:10:43,630 --> 00:10:45,900 Secretary of Defense and the chairman 31 00:10:45,909 --> 00:10:47,631 of the Joint Chiefs of staff , 32 00:11:27,780 --> 00:11:30,210 distinguished guests , chaplain , 33 00:11:30,369 --> 00:11:32,580 Colonel Timothy , miracle , chaplain , 34 00:11:32,700 --> 00:11:34,940 joint task force , National capital 35 00:11:34,950 --> 00:11:37,419 region and the US Army military 36 00:11:37,429 --> 00:11:41,309 district of Washington . Please help me 37 00:11:41,320 --> 00:11:43,320 pray in your tradition as I pray in 38 00:11:43,320 --> 00:11:46,729 mine , God , we pause today to observe 39 00:11:46,739 --> 00:11:49,190 a day of national reflection on this 40 00:11:49,200 --> 00:11:51,367 solemn day . We gather to remember and 41 00:11:51,367 --> 00:11:53,256 honor those who made the ultimate 42 00:11:53,256 --> 00:11:55,478 sacrifice in service to our nation . As 43 00:11:55,478 --> 00:11:57,478 we stand here at Arlington National 44 00:11:57,478 --> 00:11:59,533 Cemetery , we reflect on the history 45 00:11:59,533 --> 00:12:01,589 and the significance of this amazing 46 00:12:01,589 --> 00:12:03,700 day . Thank you for providing service 47 00:12:03,700 --> 00:12:05,867 members that have answered the call of 48 00:12:05,867 --> 00:12:08,033 service and some have given their very 49 00:12:08,033 --> 00:12:09,922 lives and are now buried here and 50 00:12:09,922 --> 00:12:12,256 around the world at national cemeteries . 51 00:12:12,256 --> 00:12:15,090 It was here on May 30th 1868 . The 52 00:12:15,099 --> 00:12:18,309 first original Decoration Day . Now 53 00:12:18,739 --> 00:12:22,309 Memorial Day was observed this day was 54 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:24,487 a national remembrance to honor fallen 55 00:12:24,487 --> 00:12:26,549 service members that fought in all 56 00:12:26,559 --> 00:12:29,390 conflicts like San Juan Hill , Trenches 57 00:12:29,400 --> 00:12:32,799 of France , the Argonne Forest , Anzio 58 00:12:32,809 --> 00:12:35,640 Rome , the beaches of Normandy , Guam , 59 00:12:35,650 --> 00:12:38,700 Okinawa , Korea , Kesan , Saigon , 60 00:12:38,880 --> 00:12:41,659 Vietnam , Iraq and Afghanistan . To 61 00:12:41,669 --> 00:12:44,159 name a few . We stand here among these 62 00:12:44,169 --> 00:12:46,630 hollow grounds to pay tribute to those 63 00:12:46,640 --> 00:12:48,640 who gave their very lives for their 64 00:12:48,640 --> 00:12:50,418 freedom . Let us remember their 65 00:12:50,418 --> 00:12:52,584 sacrifice , their courage , unwavering 66 00:12:52,584 --> 00:12:54,807 commitment to our great nation . Let us 67 00:12:54,807 --> 00:12:56,862 remember the families that they left 68 00:12:56,862 --> 00:12:58,696 behind and the country that they 69 00:12:58,696 --> 00:13:00,807 protected with their very lives . May 70 00:13:00,807 --> 00:13:02,973 we find solace in the knowledge of the 71 00:13:02,973 --> 00:13:05,029 memories of those that live on ? Not 72 00:13:05,029 --> 00:13:07,029 only in the marble markers that dot 73 00:13:07,029 --> 00:13:09,196 around many landscapes but also in the 74 00:13:09,196 --> 00:13:11,362 hearts of all Americans . May we never 75 00:13:11,362 --> 00:13:13,529 forget the sacrifices of all those who 76 00:13:13,529 --> 00:13:15,418 gave their lives for the cause of 77 00:13:15,418 --> 00:13:17,362 freedom . Name of honor , duty and 78 00:13:17,362 --> 00:13:19,559 sacrifice for God and country . Amen . 79 00:13:21,520 --> 00:13:23,659 Please remain standing for the United 80 00:13:23,669 --> 00:13:25,919 States Coast Guard Band and the Air 81 00:13:25,929 --> 00:13:28,020 Force singing sergeants chorus in 82 00:13:28,030 --> 00:13:30,039 singing of our national anthem . 83 00:13:33,219 --> 00:13:34,219 You yourself . 84 00:13:54,349 --> 00:13:55,349 Yeah , 85 00:14:04,080 --> 00:14:05,080 it 86 00:14:15,190 --> 00:14:15,960 that first . 87 00:14:51,890 --> 00:14:53,159 Please be seated , 88 00:14:55,760 --> 00:14:58,599 distinguished guests . General Charles 89 00:14:58,609 --> 00:15:02,320 Q Brown Junior . Yeah , 90 00:15:07,390 --> 00:15:09,690 there are words engraved in the marble 91 00:15:09,919 --> 00:15:12,979 above me . Work spoken by President 92 00:15:12,989 --> 00:15:14,933 Abraham Lincoln to his daddy . Beg 93 00:15:14,933 --> 00:15:18,330 address we here highly resolve 94 00:15:18,700 --> 00:15:20,867 that these dead shall not have died in 95 00:15:20,867 --> 00:15:23,619 vain . We're here today to honor our 96 00:15:23,630 --> 00:15:25,852 fallen for their ultimate sacrifice and 97 00:15:25,852 --> 00:15:28,099 pay tribute to their families and to 98 00:15:28,109 --> 00:15:30,380 reaffirm our commitment to ensure they 99 00:15:30,390 --> 00:15:33,750 did not die in vain . Mister President 100 00:15:34,049 --> 00:15:36,160 and a vice president , Second General 101 00:15:36,160 --> 00:15:39,140 Man Hoff and Secretary Austin , fellow 102 00:15:39,150 --> 00:15:41,460 joint chiefs of staff , spouses , 103 00:15:41,469 --> 00:15:43,919 distinguished guests , veterans , 104 00:15:44,030 --> 00:15:46,880 fellow Americans , and most importantly , 105 00:15:47,260 --> 00:15:49,650 all gold star families . Welcome to you 106 00:15:49,659 --> 00:15:52,989 all together here on Memorial Day to 107 00:15:53,000 --> 00:15:56,390 honor those who were wearing the 108 00:15:56,400 --> 00:15:58,567 uniform when they gave their lives for 109 00:15:58,567 --> 00:16:00,809 our nation and its ideals so that we 110 00:16:00,820 --> 00:16:02,931 can spend each day doing what we love 111 00:16:03,489 --> 00:16:05,378 the ultimate measure of freedom . 112 00:16:05,979 --> 00:16:08,539 Thanks to our fall , our nation lives 113 00:16:08,549 --> 00:16:11,780 on . Thanks to our fallen , the waving 114 00:16:11,789 --> 00:16:13,678 commitment , their dedication and 115 00:16:13,678 --> 00:16:16,059 sacrifice . Thanks to our fallen , the 116 00:16:16,070 --> 00:16:18,181 bedrock of liberty . We're privileged 117 00:16:18,181 --> 00:16:21,809 to share remains unshaken . We stand 118 00:16:21,820 --> 00:16:23,931 here in Arlington National Cemetery . 119 00:16:24,549 --> 00:16:26,382 The final resting place for over 120 00:16:26,382 --> 00:16:29,650 400,000 of our fallen . Every stone 121 00:16:29,659 --> 00:16:31,826 marker represents someone who wore the 122 00:16:31,826 --> 00:16:34,619 uniform . We answer the call of duty , 123 00:16:35,349 --> 00:16:37,460 who when the nation asked who will go 124 00:16:37,460 --> 00:16:40,479 for us , they responded , send me 125 00:16:41,659 --> 00:16:43,770 over 1 million of our service members 126 00:16:43,770 --> 00:16:45,881 fought in Paris to defend our country 127 00:16:45,881 --> 00:16:48,299 and its people . When snow fell over 128 00:16:48,309 --> 00:16:50,679 the Delaware River , when North and 129 00:16:50,690 --> 00:16:53,359 South turned against one another , when 130 00:16:53,369 --> 00:16:55,480 bombs dropped from the sky over Pearl 131 00:16:55,480 --> 00:16:57,739 Harbor and machine gun fire straight 132 00:16:57,750 --> 00:17:00,229 the beaches of Normandy in Iwo , Jima . 133 00:17:01,159 --> 00:17:04,160 When the chosen valley froze over and 134 00:17:04,170 --> 00:17:06,739 when terrorists reached our skies , our 135 00:17:06,750 --> 00:17:10,359 service members said , send me . Our 136 00:17:10,380 --> 00:17:12,602 nation is forever grateful to those who 137 00:17:12,602 --> 00:17:14,769 gave their lives and to their families 138 00:17:14,769 --> 00:17:16,880 who feel the pain of their loss every 139 00:17:16,880 --> 00:17:19,640 day . All their birthdays uncelebrated 140 00:17:20,560 --> 00:17:22,838 winning anniversaries and f milestones , 141 00:17:22,838 --> 00:17:25,770 unobserved baseball and soccer games be 142 00:17:25,900 --> 00:17:28,569 thousands and concerts missed each of 143 00:17:28,579 --> 00:17:30,635 our service members who raised their 144 00:17:30,635 --> 00:17:32,746 right hand and took an oath to defend 145 00:17:32,746 --> 00:17:35,010 our ideals . Had a family . He 146 00:17:35,020 --> 00:17:37,770 sacrificed alongside them , mothers and 147 00:17:37,780 --> 00:17:41,050 fathers , husbands and wives , sons and 148 00:17:41,060 --> 00:17:43,540 daughters who feel their sacrifice 149 00:17:43,550 --> 00:17:45,979 every single day . They're lost heavy , 150 00:17:46,300 --> 00:17:49,020 their grief , un yielding their love , 151 00:17:49,170 --> 00:17:53,160 enduring . It is up to us to support 152 00:17:53,170 --> 00:17:55,709 the families left behind , to provide 153 00:17:55,719 --> 00:17:57,719 comfort and solace in their time of 154 00:17:57,719 --> 00:17:59,663 need and to celebrate the life and 155 00:17:59,663 --> 00:18:01,886 contributions of their loved one . It's 156 00:18:01,886 --> 00:18:04,108 up to us to further the cause which our 157 00:18:04,109 --> 00:18:07,000 fallen died to uphold the freedoms for 158 00:18:07,010 --> 00:18:10,459 which they fought on a cloudy Wednesday 159 00:18:10,469 --> 00:18:13,750 day in July of 1863 President Lincoln 160 00:18:13,760 --> 00:18:16,140 stood among death and devastation and 161 00:18:16,150 --> 00:18:19,410 delivered a call to duty . We here 162 00:18:19,530 --> 00:18:21,910 highly resolve that these dead shall 163 00:18:21,920 --> 00:18:24,939 not have died in vain . He continued 164 00:18:25,770 --> 00:18:28,189 is up for it is up for us . The living 165 00:18:28,849 --> 00:18:31,479 to be here dedicated to the great task , 166 00:18:31,969 --> 00:18:35,040 enemy force that from these honored 167 00:18:35,050 --> 00:18:38,930 dead . We take increased devotion to 168 00:18:38,939 --> 00:18:41,660 the cause for which they gave the last 169 00:18:41,670 --> 00:18:44,319 full measure of devotion . Thank you 170 00:18:44,329 --> 00:18:46,939 for being here this memorial day to 171 00:18:46,949 --> 00:18:49,420 those we lost and service to our nation . 172 00:18:50,400 --> 00:18:53,000 May God bless our fallen and God bless 173 00:18:53,010 --> 00:18:55,640 their families . And may God continue 174 00:18:55,650 --> 00:18:57,872 to bless the United States of America . 175 00:18:57,872 --> 00:18:58,872 Thank you , 176 00:19:08,060 --> 00:19:10,349 distinguished guests . The United 177 00:19:10,359 --> 00:19:12,890 States Coast Guard band in the singing 178 00:19:12,900 --> 00:19:15,930 sergeants chorus will perform American 179 00:19:15,939 --> 00:19:16,510 anthem . 180 00:19:22,770 --> 00:19:23,770 Yeah . 181 00:19:43,250 --> 00:19:44,219 Why was 182 00:19:49,619 --> 00:19:51,489 so , um , 183 00:19:54,989 --> 00:19:56,739 one of surgery , 184 00:20:02,300 --> 00:20:05,689 our legacy was we are our 185 00:20:05,760 --> 00:20:09,589 Children . No . Hello . 186 00:20:15,689 --> 00:20:17,359 It No . 187 00:20:21,459 --> 00:20:25,300 Yeah , in my eyes . 188 00:20:25,829 --> 00:20:28,430 When my hello , 189 00:20:30,119 --> 00:20:33,650 marry come from Mary . Take 190 00:20:33,770 --> 00:20:35,000 my pass . 191 00:20:45,180 --> 00:20:48,359 Yeah . Oh , yeah , 192 00:20:50,189 --> 00:20:51,189 ready . 193 00:20:54,689 --> 00:20:58,439 20 days time . All your 194 00:20:58,650 --> 00:21:02,339 battles wants were better and sub 195 00:21:02,349 --> 00:21:04,020 conscience was . 196 00:21:14,930 --> 00:21:16,390 Oh , was , 197 00:21:20,079 --> 00:21:21,079 yeah , 198 00:21:26,560 --> 00:21:30,099 I with 199 00:21:30,369 --> 00:21:32,469 my Hello , 200 00:21:34,489 --> 00:21:38,420 right . Ok . Made my 201 00:21:38,810 --> 00:21:39,810 dress . 202 00:21:52,819 --> 00:21:53,819 So 203 00:21:57,239 --> 00:21:58,239 yeah . 204 00:22:01,239 --> 00:22:03,719 In on . Yes , 205 00:22:04,910 --> 00:22:05,609 he won . 206 00:22:09,439 --> 00:22:12,550 I saw dignity that 207 00:22:12,699 --> 00:22:15,959 245 . Oh , 208 00:22:18,599 --> 00:22:19,599 inside , 209 00:22:26,709 --> 00:22:30,569 thanks . It was . 210 00:22:34,150 --> 00:22:35,150 Yeah . 211 00:22:51,969 --> 00:22:52,969 Ok . 212 00:22:57,880 --> 00:22:58,880 Bye . 213 00:23:25,479 --> 00:23:28,500 Distinguished guests , the honorable 214 00:23:28,510 --> 00:23:31,060 Lloyd J . Austin the third , 215 00:23:39,839 --> 00:23:42,449 Mr President , madam , vice president 216 00:23:42,459 --> 00:23:45,540 and Mr Emhoff General Brown and Mrs 217 00:23:45,550 --> 00:23:48,420 Brown . I am honored to be here with 218 00:23:48,430 --> 00:23:51,219 you , distinguished guests , service 219 00:23:51,229 --> 00:23:54,680 members , my fellow veterans , ladies 220 00:23:54,689 --> 00:23:57,329 and gentlemen . Thanks for letting us 221 00:23:57,339 --> 00:24:00,500 share this memorial day with you to our 222 00:24:00,510 --> 00:24:02,310 gold star family members and to 223 00:24:02,319 --> 00:24:05,400 everyone mourning a fallen fallen 224 00:24:05,410 --> 00:24:09,290 American hero today . Please know that 225 00:24:09,300 --> 00:24:11,949 we bow our heads and sorrow along with 226 00:24:11,959 --> 00:24:15,709 you . We know that you live with loss 227 00:24:16,140 --> 00:24:19,540 every day and not just Memorial Day . 228 00:24:21,319 --> 00:24:23,430 I had the privilege of serving in the 229 00:24:23,430 --> 00:24:25,541 United States Army for more than four 230 00:24:25,541 --> 00:24:29,380 decades . And every memorial day , I 231 00:24:29,390 --> 00:24:31,334 remember those who gave all in the 232 00:24:31,334 --> 00:24:34,310 defense of our country , including the 233 00:24:34,319 --> 00:24:36,375 battle buddies who served and fought 234 00:24:36,375 --> 00:24:40,109 alongside me . We got through , 235 00:24:41,510 --> 00:24:44,869 they didn't and that pain 236 00:24:45,760 --> 00:24:49,660 will never go away . I could tell 237 00:24:49,670 --> 00:24:52,910 their stories for hour after hour . 238 00:24:54,520 --> 00:24:56,660 But for today , I hope that the story 239 00:24:56,670 --> 00:25:00,640 of one fallen American hero may stand 240 00:25:00,650 --> 00:25:04,229 for so many more . So on this 241 00:25:04,239 --> 00:25:06,930 memorial day , my thoughts are with the 242 00:25:06,939 --> 00:25:10,089 family of us . Army staff Sergeant 243 00:25:10,339 --> 00:25:13,479 Stephan Book Booker of Apollo , 244 00:25:13,489 --> 00:25:17,260 Pennsylvania Stan Booker was a 245 00:25:17,270 --> 00:25:19,326 tank commander in the third infantry 246 00:25:19,326 --> 00:25:22,550 division during operation Iraqi freedom 247 00:25:22,560 --> 00:25:26,219 in 2003 . His company 248 00:25:26,229 --> 00:25:28,118 commander once said that Sergeant 249 00:25:28,118 --> 00:25:31,699 Booker looked acted and sounded like 250 00:25:31,709 --> 00:25:35,630 the Abrams tank that he commanded . He 251 00:25:35,640 --> 00:25:37,862 embodied the power and the pride of the 252 00:25:37,862 --> 00:25:41,000 United States army . And during the 253 00:25:41,010 --> 00:25:42,788 race towards Baghdad , sergeant 254 00:25:42,788 --> 00:25:45,760 Booker's unit came under fire . He 255 00:25:45,770 --> 00:25:47,992 rushed to protect his teammates and his 256 00:25:47,992 --> 00:25:51,420 platoons flank in the heat of the fight . 257 00:25:51,609 --> 00:25:53,819 He even fired back with his own 258 00:25:53,829 --> 00:25:57,339 personal weapon lying exposed on top of 259 00:25:57,349 --> 00:26:00,140 his tank turret for mile after mile . 260 00:26:01,959 --> 00:26:04,209 Stan Booker was one of the first 261 00:26:04,219 --> 00:26:06,410 Americans killed in the Iraq war . 262 00:26:08,050 --> 00:26:12,040 And I know firsthand how tough the 263 00:26:12,050 --> 00:26:15,180 fighting was that day . It's only 264 00:26:15,189 --> 00:26:17,189 fitting that the army has named its 265 00:26:17,189 --> 00:26:19,300 newest armored combat vehicle , the M 266 00:26:19,300 --> 00:26:23,280 10 Booker . That name honors both staff , 267 00:26:23,290 --> 00:26:25,401 Sarn Booker and Private Robert Booker 268 00:26:25,401 --> 00:26:28,540 of Nebraska , who was posthumously 269 00:26:28,550 --> 00:26:30,494 awarded the medal of honor for his 270 00:26:30,494 --> 00:26:33,030 stunning battlefield heroism in Tunisia 271 00:26:34,290 --> 00:26:37,020 in 1943 during World War two , 272 00:26:39,839 --> 00:26:43,219 America's security depends on the 273 00:26:43,229 --> 00:26:45,340 bravery of people like Staff Sergeant 274 00:26:45,340 --> 00:26:49,199 Booker and Private Booker and on the 275 00:26:49,209 --> 00:26:51,760 courage and character of our service 276 00:26:51,770 --> 00:26:55,739 members . And it depends on the 277 00:26:55,750 --> 00:26:58,849 stamina and strength of their families 278 00:26:58,859 --> 00:27:02,290 and loved ones . We know how much our 279 00:27:02,300 --> 00:27:04,467 troops and their families do every day 280 00:27:04,467 --> 00:27:07,900 in so many unsung ways . And we know 281 00:27:07,910 --> 00:27:11,849 the dangers defending our 282 00:27:11,859 --> 00:27:15,699 Republic carries risk and that goes 283 00:27:15,709 --> 00:27:19,180 beyond the dangers of combat by 284 00:27:19,189 --> 00:27:21,300 necessity . Us , military training is 285 00:27:21,300 --> 00:27:25,219 hard and challenging . Our operations 286 00:27:25,229 --> 00:27:27,739 worldwide can put our troops in harm's 287 00:27:27,750 --> 00:27:31,709 way and we still lose 288 00:27:31,719 --> 00:27:33,719 too many of our service members and 289 00:27:33,719 --> 00:27:37,349 veterans to suicide . So our 290 00:27:37,359 --> 00:27:39,415 troops and their families don't just 291 00:27:39,415 --> 00:27:42,060 sacrifice during war time . Our 292 00:27:42,069 --> 00:27:43,847 military families know the long 293 00:27:43,847 --> 00:27:46,260 deployments and the painful absences . 294 00:27:47,670 --> 00:27:49,859 They know the pride that never fades 295 00:27:50,790 --> 00:27:54,780 and the worry that never leaves . So to 296 00:27:54,790 --> 00:27:57,189 our blue star and gold star families , 297 00:27:58,439 --> 00:28:00,890 you make our national defense possible . 298 00:28:02,510 --> 00:28:05,430 Our arms and technical uh and 299 00:28:05,439 --> 00:28:07,606 technology are the envy of the world . 300 00:28:09,030 --> 00:28:11,630 But in the end , America's greatest 301 00:28:11,640 --> 00:28:13,880 strategic asset will always be our 302 00:28:13,890 --> 00:28:17,650 people . So let us always remember our 303 00:28:17,660 --> 00:28:21,339 fallen heroes . Let us always strive to 304 00:28:21,349 --> 00:28:23,949 defend the democracy for which they 305 00:28:23,959 --> 00:28:27,949 fought and died . They did their duty 306 00:28:29,160 --> 00:28:30,339 and we must too . 307 00:28:34,199 --> 00:28:36,421 Ladies and gentlemen , our commander in 308 00:28:36,421 --> 00:28:38,420 chief has always stood up for our 309 00:28:38,430 --> 00:28:41,260 troops , our military families and our 310 00:28:41,270 --> 00:28:44,650 veterans . It is my honor to 311 00:28:44,660 --> 00:28:46,771 introduce the president of the United 312 00:28:46,771 --> 00:28:50,270 States . Right ? 313 00:29:00,750 --> 00:29:01,569 Thank you . 314 00:29:04,640 --> 00:29:06,640 Thank you . Thank you . Thank you . 315 00:29:06,729 --> 00:29:10,530 Please proceed . 160 316 00:29:10,540 --> 00:29:13,989 years ago , this month in the midst of 317 00:29:14,000 --> 00:29:16,949 the civil war , the first American 318 00:29:16,959 --> 00:29:19,630 soldier was laid to rest at these 319 00:29:19,640 --> 00:29:23,380 hallowed grounds , private William 320 00:29:23,390 --> 00:29:26,199 Christman , a farm worker from 321 00:29:26,209 --> 00:29:29,030 Pennsylvania had enlisted just seven 322 00:29:29,040 --> 00:29:32,010 weeks before there was no formal 323 00:29:32,020 --> 00:29:33,849 ceremony to consecrate this new 324 00:29:33,859 --> 00:29:37,420 sanctuary . No fan for fanfare . 325 00:29:38,030 --> 00:29:40,290 It came at a turning point in the war 326 00:29:41,119 --> 00:29:43,060 as fighting shifted east , the 327 00:29:43,069 --> 00:29:45,329 casualties quickly mounted in the 328 00:29:45,339 --> 00:29:48,569 bloody grinding campaign over the next 329 00:29:48,579 --> 00:29:51,359 year , William would be joined in death 330 00:29:51,599 --> 00:29:53,599 as he was in life by his brother in 331 00:29:53,599 --> 00:29:56,489 arms . In this final resting place , 332 00:29:57,390 --> 00:29:59,420 these hills around us would be 333 00:29:59,430 --> 00:30:02,020 transformed from a former slave 334 00:30:02,030 --> 00:30:05,500 plantation into a national stri shine 335 00:30:05,780 --> 00:30:08,300 for those American heroes who died for 336 00:30:08,310 --> 00:30:11,500 freedom , who died for us . 337 00:30:12,630 --> 00:30:15,650 My fellow Americans , Jill , Vice 338 00:30:15,660 --> 00:30:17,882 President Harris , the second gentleman 339 00:30:18,030 --> 00:30:20,930 m off Secretary Austin General Brown . 340 00:30:20,939 --> 00:30:23,160 Most importantly , the veterans and 341 00:30:23,170 --> 00:30:25,140 service members , families and 342 00:30:25,150 --> 00:30:28,250 survivors . We gather at this sacred 343 00:30:28,260 --> 00:30:31,540 place at this solemn moment to remember 344 00:30:32,229 --> 00:30:35,010 to honor honor the sacrifice of the 345 00:30:35,020 --> 00:30:37,187 hundreds of thousands of women and men 346 00:30:37,270 --> 00:30:39,214 who have given their lives to this 347 00:30:39,214 --> 00:30:42,869 nation . Each one literally a 348 00:30:43,170 --> 00:30:45,226 in the link , a link in the chain of 349 00:30:45,226 --> 00:30:47,448 honor . Stretching back to our founding 350 00:30:47,448 --> 00:30:51,130 days . Each one bound by common 351 00:30:51,140 --> 00:30:55,030 commitment not to a place , not to a 352 00:30:55,040 --> 00:30:58,010 person , not to a president , but to an 353 00:30:58,020 --> 00:31:01,489 idea . Unlike any idea in human history , 354 00:31:02,130 --> 00:31:04,810 the idea of the United States of 355 00:31:04,819 --> 00:31:08,310 America today , we bear 356 00:31:08,319 --> 00:31:12,099 witness to the price they pay every 357 00:31:12,109 --> 00:31:14,619 white stone across these hills and 358 00:31:14,630 --> 00:31:17,140 every military cemetery and churchyard 359 00:31:17,150 --> 00:31:20,729 across America . A father , a mother , 360 00:31:20,739 --> 00:31:22,683 a son , a daughter , a brother , a 361 00:31:22,683 --> 00:31:24,572 sister , a spouse , a neighbor in 362 00:31:24,572 --> 00:31:28,199 America , to everyone who was lost and 363 00:31:28,209 --> 00:31:31,079 loved someone in the service of our 364 00:31:31,089 --> 00:31:34,619 country , to everyone who loved one is 365 00:31:34,630 --> 00:31:37,310 still missing or unaccounted for it . I 366 00:31:37,319 --> 00:31:40,430 know how hard it can be . Can reopen 367 00:31:40,439 --> 00:31:42,550 that black hole in the middle of your 368 00:31:42,550 --> 00:31:44,729 chest . Bring you back to the exact 369 00:31:44,739 --> 00:31:47,430 moment you got that phone call , heard 370 00:31:47,439 --> 00:31:50,150 that knock on the door or held the hand 371 00:31:50,160 --> 00:31:53,359 and the last breath was taken . I know 372 00:31:53,880 --> 00:31:56,380 it hurts . The herd is still real , 373 00:31:56,390 --> 00:31:59,550 still raw . This week marks nine years 374 00:31:59,560 --> 00:32:02,810 since I lost my son . Be our losses are 375 00:32:02,819 --> 00:32:05,319 not the same . He didn't perish in the 376 00:32:05,329 --> 00:32:08,420 battlefield . He was a cancer victim 377 00:32:08,780 --> 00:32:11,250 from a consequence of being in the army 378 00:32:11,260 --> 00:32:13,500 in Iraq for a year next to a burn pit 379 00:32:14,219 --> 00:32:16,439 major in the US National Army National 380 00:32:16,449 --> 00:32:19,400 Guard living and working like too many 381 00:32:19,520 --> 00:32:23,520 besides that toxic burn pit . And as it 382 00:32:23,530 --> 00:32:26,890 is for so many of you , the pain of his 383 00:32:26,900 --> 00:32:29,122 loss is with me every day as it is with 384 00:32:29,122 --> 00:32:32,959 you . Still sharp , still clear . But 385 00:32:32,969 --> 00:32:35,839 so is the pride I feel in his service 386 00:32:36,239 --> 00:32:38,640 as if I can still hear him saying it's 387 00:32:38,650 --> 00:32:41,989 my duty , dad . It's my duty duty . 388 00:32:42,689 --> 00:32:44,911 That was the code of my son live by and 389 00:32:44,911 --> 00:32:46,856 the creed , all of you live by the 390 00:32:46,856 --> 00:32:48,745 creed . The generation of service 391 00:32:48,745 --> 00:32:50,911 members have followed in the battle on 392 00:32:50,911 --> 00:32:53,444 the grounds around us by fallen heroes 393 00:32:53,454 --> 00:32:56,344 from every major conflict in history to 394 00:32:56,354 --> 00:32:58,844 defend our independence , to preserve 395 00:32:58,854 --> 00:33:02,364 our union , to defeat fascism , built 396 00:33:02,375 --> 00:33:05,125 powerful alliances , Fords and fires of 397 00:33:05,135 --> 00:33:07,569 two world wars . Members of the 398 00:33:07,579 --> 00:33:10,060 greatest generation way years ago , 399 00:33:10,069 --> 00:33:12,013 next week , took to the beaches of 400 00:33:12,013 --> 00:33:14,859 Normandy and liberated a continent and 401 00:33:14,869 --> 00:33:17,630 literally saved the world . Others who 402 00:33:17,640 --> 00:33:19,696 stood against communism in Korea and 403 00:33:19,696 --> 00:33:22,209 Vietnam . And not far from here in 404 00:33:22,219 --> 00:33:24,239 section 60 Larva , 405 00:33:24,270 --> 00:33:28,239 1,007,054 women and men 406 00:33:28,459 --> 00:33:30,403 who made the ultimate sacrifice in 407 00:33:30,403 --> 00:33:32,790 Afghanistan and Iraq who signed up to 408 00:33:32,800 --> 00:33:34,699 defeat terrorists , protect our 409 00:33:34,709 --> 00:33:38,550 homeland . After 9 , 11 decade after 410 00:33:38,560 --> 00:33:40,469 decade , tour after tour , these 411 00:33:40,479 --> 00:33:42,930 warriors fought for our freedom and the 412 00:33:42,939 --> 00:33:45,869 freedom of others because freedom has 413 00:33:45,880 --> 00:33:48,619 never been guaranteed . Every 414 00:33:48,630 --> 00:33:51,540 generation has to earn it , fight for 415 00:33:51,550 --> 00:33:53,630 it , defend it in battle between 416 00:33:53,640 --> 00:33:56,449 autocracy and democracy between the 417 00:33:56,459 --> 00:33:59,390 greed of a few and the rights of many 418 00:34:00,579 --> 00:34:04,060 it matters . Our democracy is more than 419 00:34:04,069 --> 00:34:06,236 just a system of government . It's the 420 00:34:06,236 --> 00:34:09,030 very soul of America . It's how we've 421 00:34:09,040 --> 00:34:11,151 been able to constantly adapt through 422 00:34:11,151 --> 00:34:13,429 the centuries . It's why we've always 423 00:34:13,439 --> 00:34:15,820 emerged from every challenge . Stronger 424 00:34:15,830 --> 00:34:18,290 than we went in . And it's how we come 425 00:34:18,300 --> 00:34:21,979 together as one nation united . And 426 00:34:21,989 --> 00:34:24,211 just as our fallen heroes have kept the 427 00:34:24,211 --> 00:34:26,433 ultimate faith with our country and our 428 00:34:26,433 --> 00:34:28,433 democracy , we must keep faith with 429 00:34:28,433 --> 00:34:31,948 them . I've long said we have many 430 00:34:31,958 --> 00:34:34,158 obligations as a nation , but we only 431 00:34:34,168 --> 00:34:37,428 have one truly sacred obligation to 432 00:34:37,438 --> 00:34:40,128 prepare those we send to the battle and 433 00:34:40,138 --> 00:34:42,249 to prepare for , to take care of them 434 00:34:42,249 --> 00:34:44,527 and their families when they come home . 435 00:34:44,527 --> 00:34:46,471 And when they don't , since I took 436 00:34:46,471 --> 00:34:49,360 office , I've signed over 30 bipartisan 437 00:34:49,370 --> 00:34:52,280 laws supporting servicemen , veterans 438 00:34:52,290 --> 00:34:54,401 and their families and caregivers and 439 00:34:54,401 --> 00:34:57,959 survivors . Last year , the va 440 00:34:57,969 --> 00:35:00,080 delivered more benefits and processed 441 00:35:00,080 --> 00:35:02,247 more claims than ever in our history . 442 00:35:02,247 --> 00:35:04,358 And the Pact Act which I was proud to 443 00:35:04,358 --> 00:35:06,750 have signed has already guaranteed 1 444 00:35:06,760 --> 00:35:09,760 million claims helping veterans exposed 445 00:35:09,770 --> 00:35:12,510 to toxic materials during their service . 446 00:35:12,520 --> 00:35:16,310 1 million for too long after 447 00:35:16,320 --> 00:35:18,098 fighting for our nation , these 448 00:35:18,098 --> 00:35:20,264 veterans had to fight to get the right 449 00:35:20,264 --> 00:35:22,320 health care to get the benefits they 450 00:35:22,320 --> 00:35:25,260 had earned . Not anymore . Our nation 451 00:35:25,270 --> 00:35:27,500 came together to ensure the burden is 452 00:35:27,510 --> 00:35:29,454 no longer on them , to prove their 453 00:35:29,454 --> 00:35:31,570 illness was service related , whether 454 00:35:31,580 --> 00:35:34,419 it's agent orange or toxic waste to 455 00:35:34,429 --> 00:35:36,899 ensure they protected them . They just 456 00:35:36,909 --> 00:35:38,798 have to protect the United States 457 00:35:38,798 --> 00:35:40,965 because it is assumed that their death 458 00:35:40,965 --> 00:35:43,520 was a consequence of the exposure . On 459 00:35:43,530 --> 00:35:47,159 this day , we came together again to 460 00:35:47,169 --> 00:35:51,120 reflect , to remember . But above all , 461 00:35:51,129 --> 00:35:53,240 to recommit to the future they fought 462 00:35:53,240 --> 00:35:55,860 for a future grounded in freedom , 463 00:35:56,129 --> 00:35:58,840 democracy , opportunity and equality , 464 00:35:59,520 --> 00:36:02,850 not just for some but for all America 465 00:36:02,860 --> 00:36:04,804 is the only country in the world . 466 00:36:04,804 --> 00:36:07,639 Founded an idea , an idea that all 467 00:36:07,649 --> 00:36:10,389 people are created equal and deserve to 468 00:36:10,399 --> 00:36:12,399 be treated equally throughout their 469 00:36:12,399 --> 00:36:14,510 lives . We've never fully lived up to 470 00:36:14,510 --> 00:36:16,566 that , but we've never , ever , ever 471 00:36:16,566 --> 00:36:19,250 walked away from it . Every generation 472 00:36:19,860 --> 00:36:22,600 our fallen heroes have brought us 473 00:36:22,610 --> 00:36:26,149 closer today . We're not just 474 00:36:26,159 --> 00:36:28,560 fortunate heirs of their legacy . We 475 00:36:28,570 --> 00:36:30,792 have a responsibility to be the keepers 476 00:36:30,792 --> 00:36:33,790 of their mission . That that truest 477 00:36:34,659 --> 00:36:38,199 memorial of their lives . The actions 478 00:36:38,209 --> 00:36:40,265 we take every day to ensure that our 479 00:36:40,265 --> 00:36:43,389 democracy endures . The very idea of 480 00:36:43,399 --> 00:36:46,750 America endures ladies and gentlemen , 481 00:36:47,530 --> 00:36:49,363 100 and 60 years ago , the first 482 00:36:49,363 --> 00:36:51,419 American soldier was laid to rest on 483 00:36:51,419 --> 00:36:53,979 these hallowed grounds . There were no 484 00:36:53,989 --> 00:36:57,659 big ceremonies , no big speeches , no 485 00:36:57,669 --> 00:37:00,000 family mourn family members to mourn 486 00:37:00,010 --> 00:37:03,620 their loss . Just a quiet grief of the 487 00:37:03,629 --> 00:37:07,080 rolling green hills surrounding today . 488 00:37:07,669 --> 00:37:09,780 We join that grief with gratitude , 489 00:37:10,280 --> 00:37:12,580 gratitude to our fallen heroes , 490 00:37:12,600 --> 00:37:14,929 gratitude to the families left behind 491 00:37:15,320 --> 00:37:17,649 and gratitude to the brave souls who 492 00:37:17,659 --> 00:37:19,881 continue to uphold the flame of liberty 493 00:37:19,881 --> 00:37:22,199 all across our country and around the 494 00:37:22,209 --> 00:37:25,639 world because of them , 495 00:37:25,979 --> 00:37:28,540 all of them that we stand here today . 496 00:37:29,149 --> 00:37:31,629 We will never forget that we will never 497 00:37:31,639 --> 00:37:34,600 ever , ever stop working for , to make 498 00:37:34,610 --> 00:37:37,239 a more perfect union which they lived 499 00:37:37,250 --> 00:37:39,969 and which they died for . That was 500 00:37:39,979 --> 00:37:42,709 their promise . That's our promise , 501 00:37:42,729 --> 00:37:45,320 our promise today to them . That's our 502 00:37:45,330 --> 00:37:48,840 promise . Always , God bless the fallen . 503 00:37:49,389 --> 00:37:51,949 May God bless their families and may 504 00:37:51,959 --> 00:37:55,189 God protect our troops . Thank you 505 00:38:07,590 --> 00:38:10,399 distinguished guests . Please stand for 506 00:38:10,409 --> 00:38:13,100 the playing of taps and the benediction 507 00:39:10,129 --> 00:39:11,907 and now receive the benediction 508 00:39:12,370 --> 00:39:14,148 Almighty God . As we prepare to 509 00:39:14,148 --> 00:39:16,209 conclude this solemn gathering , we 510 00:39:16,219 --> 00:39:18,052 lift our hearts in gratitude and 511 00:39:18,052 --> 00:39:20,179 reverence . We stand on the shoulders 512 00:39:20,189 --> 00:39:22,540 of heroes , men and women who gave 513 00:39:22,550 --> 00:39:24,494 their lives a service to our great 514 00:39:24,494 --> 00:39:26,272 nation . We thank you for their 515 00:39:26,272 --> 00:39:28,494 sacrifice . Their unwavering commitment 516 00:39:28,494 --> 00:39:31,169 to duty , honor and freedom . May their 517 00:39:31,179 --> 00:39:33,459 memory inspire us to live lives worthy 518 00:39:33,469 --> 00:39:35,899 of legacy . Guide our leaders , those 519 00:39:35,909 --> 00:39:37,965 in each branch of government , guide 520 00:39:37,965 --> 00:39:40,131 our leaders in Department of Defense . 521 00:39:40,131 --> 00:39:42,187 As they bear the weight , grant them 522 00:39:42,187 --> 00:39:44,409 all wisdom , courage and discernment as 523 00:39:44,409 --> 00:39:46,465 they lead this great nation . May we 524 00:39:46,465 --> 00:39:48,576 never ever forget the passage in John 525 00:39:48,576 --> 00:39:51,209 15 . Greater love has no one than this 526 00:39:51,219 --> 00:39:53,163 that he laid down his life for his 527 00:39:53,163 --> 00:39:55,052 friends . May we never forget the 528 00:39:55,052 --> 00:39:56,830 fallen nor take for granted the 529 00:39:56,830 --> 00:39:59,100 liberties they secured for us , help us 530 00:39:59,110 --> 00:40:01,332 to be good stewards of the freedom they 531 00:40:01,332 --> 00:40:03,554 purchase for their very blood . And now 532 00:40:03,554 --> 00:40:05,666 as we depart from this sacred place , 533 00:40:05,666 --> 00:40:07,832 may your peace always be upon us ? May 534 00:40:07,832 --> 00:40:09,832 we carry the torch of remembrance , 535 00:40:09,832 --> 00:40:12,050 ensuring their sacrifices etch forever 536 00:40:12,179 --> 00:40:14,199 in our collective memory . May this 537 00:40:14,209 --> 00:40:16,429 benediction serve as a reminder of the 538 00:40:16,439 --> 00:40:19,340 sacrifices made by those who rest in 539 00:40:19,350 --> 00:40:21,628 honored glory . It's in your holy name . 540 00:40:21,628 --> 00:40:23,794 We pray that you continue to bless all 541 00:40:23,794 --> 00:40:25,794 those who have served and all those 542 00:40:25,794 --> 00:40:27,580 that they left behind . May God 543 00:40:27,590 --> 00:40:29,757 continue to bless the United States of 544 00:40:29,757 --> 00:40:31,100 America ? Amen . 545 00:40:33,760 --> 00:40:36,070 Please remain standing for the singing 546 00:40:36,080 --> 00:40:39,100 of God bless America performed by the 547 00:40:39,110 --> 00:40:41,560 United States Coast Guard Band and the 548 00:40:41,570 --> 00:40:43,360 singing sergeants chorus 549 00:40:46,330 --> 00:40:49,469 take up to 37 final 550 00:41:19,040 --> 00:41:20,040 out . 551 00:41:48,600 --> 00:41:49,600 Yeah , 552 00:42:03,129 --> 00:42:05,560 distinguished guests , please remain in 553 00:42:05,570 --> 00:42:08,540 place as the official party departs and 554 00:42:08,550 --> 00:42:10,189 the colors are retired .