Obama holds up veterans as example of unity

President Obama says the sacrifices of America’s military veterans transcends the divides that sometimes erupt in U.S. politics.

“This weekend, as we search for ways to bridge our differences, we look to the principles that are more enduring than politics,” he said in his weekly address Saturday, a day after Veterans Day.

{mosads}“And some of the best examples are found in the men and women we saluted yesterday, and every day – our troops and veterans.” 

Obama said U.S. military personnel represent some of the nation’s best attributes, including diversity, heroism and unity.

“It is the example of young Americans – our 9/11 generation – who, as first responders ran into smoldering towers, ran to a recruiting center and signed up to serve,” he said.

“It is the example of a military that meets every mission, one united team, all looking out for one another, all getting each other’s backs,” Obama continued.

“It is the example of the single most diverse institution in our country – soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coastguardsmen who represent every corner of our country, every shade of humanity, immigrant and native-born, Christian, Muslim, Jew and non-believer alike, all forged into common service.”

Obama added Americans could better their nation by emulating active and retired U.S. military personnel.

“It’s up to us to summon some of the courage and humility our veterans show, and to acknowledge that we can never serve them in quite the same way they serve us,” he said.

“We need to keep working to make sure they always get the care and benefits they deserve,” Obama added. 

“We can practice kindness.  We can volunteer, serve and respect one another.  We can always get each other’s backs.  And we can show how much we love our country by loving our neighbors as ourselves.”