ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Va. - Surrounded by the graves of thousands of fallen service members at Arlington National Cemetery, President Barack Obama lauded "historic" increases to the Department of Veterans Affairs' budget during his Veterans Day speech Nov. 11.
The president delivered his speech to a packed crowd inside the cemetery's Amphitheater in Arlington, Va., where hundreds listened as he also acknowledged that there is more work to be done to solve the issues of veteran homelessness and the backlog of VA disability claims.
"The unacceptable problems we've seen, like long wait lines and some veterans not getting the timely care they need, is a challenge for all of us if we are to match our words with deeds," he said. "And, my message to every single veteran, to veterans all across this country, is that I am still not satisfied and [VA Secretary] Bob McDonald is still not satisfied."
Obama promised continued investment in facilities, physicians and staff to ensure that veterans get the care they require when they need it.
"That is our obligation and we are not going to let up," he said to applause.
Obama noted that the nation is in the midst of adding a new wave of veterans to its ranks. In recent years, he said, more than a million men and women in uniform, many of them veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq, have returned to civilian life.
"Each year, at least another 200,000 do the same," continued Obama. "Our 9/11 generation of veterans are joining the ranks of those who have come before."
Noting that the veteran unemployment rate today stands at 3.9 percent, he also urged employers to consider hiring former service members whenever they can.
"Our veterans today are already making America great every single day," Obama said. "So my message today is simple: If you want to get the job done, hire a vet. If you're a business that needs team players to lead and execute an idea, hire a vet."
Hosted by the Military Officers Association of America, the observance drew thousands to the cemetery.
"On these sacred grounds, where generations of heroes have come to rest, we remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation," Obama said. "And today, we gather once more to salute every patriot who has ever proudly worn the uniform of the United States of America."
Obama also marked the 70th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II by paying special tribute to members of the Greatest Generation. He singled out the oldest known female World War II vet, Army Lt. Col. Luta C. McGrath, who was in the audience. She will turn 108 this month.
Prior to his remarks, Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
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