Arlington National Cemetery 2011

Barack Obama members honored America's fallen service and called on Americans to remember their sacrifice. In a speech on Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, Obama expressed his honor and a solemn responsibility, he is serving as commander in chief of "one of the best fighting forces the world has ever known .

He paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the service: "Venerable warriors who lay here and across the country and around the world Each one adds honor of what it means to be a soldier, sailor, airman, sailor and Guard Coastal.. Each is a link in an unbroken chain dating back to the early days of our republic.

"And that day, capturing all that commemorate our first patriots, blacksmiths, farmers, slaves and free men who have never experienced independence have made a living as we commemorate the gunmen - .. And women disguised as men - . black and white, who have fallen into orchards and cornfields in a war that saved our marriage ...

"The patriots, we use day to commemorate not only sacrificed everything they had, but all they wanted to know. They have given themselves until they had nothing more to give. It is natural that when we lose someone we love to wonder why he should have. "Why my son? Why my sister why my friend why not me?" These are questions that can not be fulfilled by us.

"But today we reiterate that for us, who have given their lives. Remember that it is their courage, their selflessness, their devotion to duty that have occurred in all of its evidence, and sustain it through all the tests, come.

"We remember the blessings we enjoy as Americans, but at a high price. Our presence in a free society is a testament to her enduring legacy. Our country owes a debt to its fallen heroes we can never repay. But we can honor their sacrifice, and we do. We must honor our own lives to keep their memories close to our hearts, and hear their example.

"And we honor as a nation to keep our sacred trust of all the families who wear the uniform of America and who love them - and never give up searching for the missing under the flag of our country or held as prisoners of war serve our patriots, as we serve, from the moment of entering the army for the time they leave, when at rest. is so that we can honor the sacrifice of those we lost. It is our duty to protect U.S.. UU.. "

Earlier, the president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

The ceremonies also included a U.S. Navy Band concert at Memorial Auditorium.

Also scheduled for Monday at the tomb of the unknown is a "national moment of silence" ceremony at 2:55 p.m. ET. And a memorial service at the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in 17 hours

Before leaving the White House and Arlington National Cemetery, Obama has announced that the army of Maj. Gen. Martin Dempsey, his choice to succeed Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the military Joint Chiefs of Staff on Monday.

President Obama has called Dempsey, one of the most respected general of the country and combat tested. "

The president also announced he has chosen Navy Adm. James Winnefeld to succeed Cartwright as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs and Army Gen. Ray Odierno as his candidate to replace Dempsey as Army chief of staff.

Mr. Obama called America's servicemen and women "the best our nation has to offer, and they deserve nothing but the best in return, and that includes leaders."