Obama asks people not to forget US is still at war

Washington, May 28 (IANS/EFE) President Barack Obama urged his fellow citizens not to forget that the US "is still at war" in a Memorial Day speech he gave Monday.

Speaking at Arlington National Cemetery, on the outskirts of Washington, the president said that he is concerned that the sacrifices US troops are making will be forgotten now that the majority of Americans "are not directly touched by war".

"Today, a transition is underway in Afghanistan, and our troops are coming home. Fewer Americans are making the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, and that's progress for which we are profoundly grateful," he said.

"As we gather here today, at this very moment, more than 60,000 of our fellow Americans still serve far from home in Afghanistan," Obama said, adding that troops and military families have raised with him "their concern about whether the country fully appreciates what's happening".

"As we go about our daily lives, we must remember that our countrymen are still serving, still fighting, still putting their lives on the line for all of us," the president said.

Before speaking, the president placed a floral wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Also attending the ceremony were first lady Michelle Obama, Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

--IANS/EFE

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