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Obama Marks Veterans Day At Arlington Cemetery

(SOUNDBITE OF GUNFIRE)

ROBERT SIEGEL, HOST:

The boom of artillery marked the arrival of President Obama at Arlington National Cemetery today, to commemorate Veterans Day. At approximately the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, Mr. Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

(SOUNDBITE OF TAPS)

GUY RAZ, HOST:

On a sunny yet chilly day, the president thanked all generations of America's veterans. But he paid particular attention to those who have served recently, those he called the 9/11 generation.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: They saw their country threatened but they signed up to confront that threat. They felt some tug, they answered some call and they said, let's go.

SIEGEL: The president also issued a plea on behalf of the troops returning to civilian life in this tough economy.

OBAMA: On this Veterans Day, I ask every American: Recruit our veterans. If you're a business owner, hire them. If you're community leader, a mayor, a pastor, a preacher, call on them to join your efforts.

RAZ: President Obama speaking today, Veterans Day, at Arlington National Cemetery. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.