Obama honors veterans and the fallen at Arlington Cemetery

President Obama engaged in one of the time-honored traditions of the presidency today, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, those anonymous but not-forgotten soldiers who gave their lives in two world wars, Korea, and Vietnam.

Obama gives his Veterans Day address later this hour, also from Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

As the president held his hand over his heart, a trumpeter played Taps on a drizzly, chilly day. Drums rolled and flags were displayed as the president and troops under his command bowed their head in prayer.

Before the event, Organizing for America -- the Obama-based political arm of the Democratic Party -- unveiled an e-mail that the president sent today to veterans.

"Today, on Veterans Day, my message to you is simple: Thank you," Obama wrote. "Thank you for your selfless service, for your valor, and for your strength of purpose that make all of us proud to be Americans."

In his missive, the president praised veterans for the "uncommon camaraderie that -- when faced with the tragedy of a despicable and heartbreaking attack last Thursday -- the soldiers and civilians of Ft. Hood humbly revealed to the world."

(Posted by David Jackson)