Today is Veterans Day in the U.S.

Many people mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That's not quite true.
Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America's war dead. Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors ALL American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate all the sacrifices they've made for us.

At exactly 11 a.m., each November 11th, a color guard, made up of members from each of the military branches, renders honors to America's war dead during a heart-moving ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.The President or his representative places a wreath at the Tomb and a bugler sounds Taps. The balance of the ceremony, including a "Parade of Flags" by numerous veterans service organizations, takes place inside the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb.In addition to planning and coordinating the National Veterans Day Ceremony, the Veterans Day National Committee supports a number of Veterans Day Regional Sites. These sites conduct Veterans Day celebrations that provide excellent examples for other communities to follow

Today President Barack Obama plans to attend a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. In his proclamation, Obama says the country's obligations to those who have served "endure long after the battle ends."

President Obama is not going alone. Richard Overton is not just any veteran. At 107, he's believed to be the oldest known American veteran of World War II. Today, nearly 70 years after he returned from the Pacific, he'll meet President Obama at the White House for breakfast before accompanying the president to Arlington National Cemetery for a Veterans Day ceremony. 

I simply want to say “thank you very much” to each one of the veterans of war. Thanks for your service, thanks for all the sacrifice you’ve made for us to have our rights and freedom. #GodBless #Honor #Courage #Sacrifice