President Barack Obama honored the nation's veterans with a passionate speech at the Veterans Day Ceremony in Arlington Friday. "The last time I stood on these hallowed grounds on Memorial Day, our country came together to honor those who had fought and died for our flag," Obama said. "A few days before, our nation observed Armed Forces Day, honoring all who are serving that flag at this moment. Today, on Veterans Day, we honor those who honored our country with its highest form of service."
Keeping these veterans' stories foremost on the mind of the nation, Obama explained, is the duty of every citizen. "Whenever the world makes you cynical, whenever you seek true humility and selflessness, look to a veteran," Obama said before expressing the urgency needed in tackling many of the issues still facing veterans today.
Obama urged a continued push for reducing the disability claims backlog, noting the backlog currently stands at "roughly 80,000" after hitting a previous high of more than 610,000:
Noting that "not all wounds of war" are visible to the eye, Obama also mentioned the importance of maintaining veterans' access to mental health care. Funding for veterans' mental health care, as of 2016, has been increased by more than 75 percent under the Obama administration:
Watch Obama's full comments above.
