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| President Donald Trump bows his head at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day on Monday. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo |
From UPI
President Donald Trump asked for God's comfort for those who mourn for fallen service members Monday during a Memorial Day service at Arlington National Cemetery.
The president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before commemorating service members and veterans in remarks.
Trump, accompanied by Defense Secretary James Mattis and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, offered praise for the nation's fallen service members and their families.
"They marched into hell so that America could know the blessings of peace. They died so that freedom could live," the president said.
"To every parent who weeps for a child, to every child who mourns for a parent and to every husband or wife whose heart has been torn in two today we ask God to comfort your pain, to ease your sorrow and to wipe away your tears," Trump said. "This is a very special day and today our whole country thanks you, embraces you and pledges to you we will never forget our heroes."
The president lauded former Sen. Bob Dole, who served in World War II and was in attendance at Monday's ceremony. Trump also commended and waved to Ray Chavez, the oldest living survivor of Pearl Harbor, who was also in attendance.
After the president's remarks, the ceremony was closed with the playing of taps, a benediction and the playing of "America the Beautiful."
The arrival of the president's motorcade at the cemetery was greeted by onlookers, many waving, holding flowers and taking pictures.
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