Memorial Day at Arlington marked by solemn observance, remembrances

President Barack Obama marked his final Memorial Day as president May 30 at Arlington National Cemetery by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and speaking to a large crowd gathered to pay tribute to the fallen at Memorial Amphitheater.

"Here at Arlington, the deafening sounds of combat have given way to the silence of these sacred hills," Obama said.

Obama was joined at the ceremony by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter; Marine Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/Military District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker; and Patrick Hallinan, executive director, Army National Military Cemeteries.

"As commander-in-chief, I have no greater responsibility than leading our men and women in uniform," Obama said. "I have no more solemn obligation than sending them into harm's way. I think about that every time I approve an action as president."

Since last Memorial Day, Obama said 20 American service members have died while fighting in Afghanistan and three have died in combat in Iraq. He singled out the three who died in Iraq -- Navy SEAL Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Keating IV, Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Louis Cardin and Army Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler -- for special tribute during his address.

"We are so proud of them," the president said. "We are so grateful for their sacrifice. We are so thankful to those families of the fallen."

Dunford noted that more than one million men and women have given their lives in service to the nation since its founding in 1776.

"It's how they lived that's important," he continued. "It's how they lived that makes us remember them. In life, these individuals chose to be something bigger than themselves. They chose to accept hardship and great personal risks."

Dunford said those who have died serving the nation embody the most important values and traditions of the United States.

"If we truly want to honor the fallen from all our conflicts, if we truly want to give meaning to their sacrifice, we'll do something in addition to marking their graves with flags and flowers," he said. "Each of us will leave here today with the resolve to strengthen our commitment to the nation and the values for which it stands."

Carter explained that security could be likened to oxygen. If you have it, you don't think about it. If you don't have it, that's all you think about, he said.

"The patriots remembered today across the country provided that security," he said. "And, so today do the millions of service members. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, active duty, Guard and reserve provide that security."

Carter also highlighted the sacrifice of Gold Star families -- those who have lost a loved one in service to the nation.

"We know we lack the words to do justice to what you feel on this day," he said. "We can never fully know. But, we do know what your sacrifice means to us, to this nation and to a world that still depends so much on American men and women in uniform for its security."

Members of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" provided a selection of music throughout the ceremony and Army Chap, (Col.) Gary R. Studniewski provided the invocation and benediction.

"It means so much to be at Arlington on Memorial Day," said Marine veteran Alex Rocha. "I've got buddies [buried] here and to see everyone remembering what they did just honors them."