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Hagel Speaks at Arlington; Obama Honors Fallen Troops at Arlington; Memorial Day at Section 60

Aired May 27, 2013 - 11:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


CHUCK HAGEL, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: We honor them in appreciation for the sacrifices they have endured. We also honor the perseverance and the resilience of our military families today, for they are dealing with all of the challenges of life. America thanks you.

All of us in positions of trust and responsibility must always make decisions that are worthy of the sacrifices of those who serve our country. On this sacred day, as we recall the words of President Lincoln when he referred to the "mystic bonds and chords of memory," we honor America's fallen patriots by striving to be worthy of their great sacrifices as we all work toward making a better future for all mankind.

It is now my honor to introduce someone who has shown unwavering commitment to our servicemen and women and their families and who leads our nation today with great strength and wisdom. Ladies and gentlemen, help me welcome our commander-in-chief, the President of the United States of America.

(APPLAUSE)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: OBAMA: Thank you. Thank you. Please be seated. Thank you very much.

Good morning, everybody. I want to thank Secretary Chuck Hagel, not only for the introduction, but, Chuck, for your lifetime of service, from sergeant in the Army to secretary of defense, but always a man who carries with you the memory of friends and fallen heroes from Vietnam. We're grateful to you.

I want to thank General Dempsey, Major General Linnington, Kathryn Condon, who has served Arlington with extraordinary dedication and grace, and who will be leaving us, but we are so grateful for the work that she's done, for Chaplain Brainerd, Secretary Shinseki, all our guests, and most of all to members of our armed services and our veterans, to the families and friends of the fallen who we honor today, to Americans from all across the country who've come to pay your respects, I have to say, it is always a great honor to spend this Memorial Day with you at this sacred place where we honor our fallen heroes, those who we remember fondly in our memories and those known only to God.

Beyond these quiet hills across that special bridge is a city of monuments dedicated to visionary leaders and singular moments in the life of our republic. But it is here on this hallowed ground where we choose to build a monument to a constant thread in the American character: the truth that our nation endures because it has always been home to men and women who are willing to give their all and lay down their lives to preserve and protect this land that we love.

That character, that selflessness beats in the hearts of the very first patriots who died for a democracy they had never known and would never see. It lived on in the men and women who fought to hold our union together and in those who fought to defend it from abroad, from the beaches of Europe to the mountains and jungles of Asia.

This year, as we mark the 60th anniversary of the end of fighting in Korea, we offer a special salute to all those who served and gave their lives in the Korean War. And over the last decade, we've seen the character of our country again, in the nearly 7,000 Americans who've made the ultimate sacrifice on battlefields and city streets half a world away.

Now, last Memorial Day, I stood here and spoke about for the first time in nine years Americans were no longer fighting and dying in Iraq. Today, a transition is underway in Afghanistan, and our troops are coming home. Fewer Americans are making the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, and that's progress for which we are profoundly grateful. And this time next year, we will mark the final Memorial Day of our war in Afghanistan.

And so, as I said last week, America stands at a crossroads. But even as we turn a page on a decade of conflict, even as we look forward, let us never forget as we gather here today that our nation is still at war. This should be self-evident. And in generations past, it was.

And during World War II, millions of Americans contributed to the war effort, soldiers like my own grandfather, women like my grandmother who worked the assembly lines, during the Vietnam War, just about everybody knew somebody -- a brother, a son, a friend -- who served in harm's way.

Today, it's different. Perhaps it's a tribute to our remarkable all- volunteer force, made up of men and women who step forward to serve and do so with extraordinary skill and valor. Perhaps it's a testament to our advanced technologies, which allow smaller numbers of troops to wield greater and greater power.

But regardless of the reason, this truth cannot be ignored that today most Americans are not directly touched by war. As a consequence, not all Americans may always see or fully grasp the depth of sacrifice, the profound costs that are made in our name, right now, as we speak, every day. Our troops and our military families understand this, and they mentioned to me their concern about whether the country fully appreciates what's happening.

I think about a letter I received from a naval officer, a reservist who had just returned from a deployment to Afghanistan, and he wrote me, "I'm concerned that our work in Afghanistan is fading from memory," and he went on to ask that we do more to keep this conflict alive and focused in the hearts and minds of our own people. And he's right.

As we gather here today at this very moment, more than 60,000 of our fellow Americans still serve far from home in Afghanistan. They're still going out on patrol, still living in Spartan forward operating bases, still risking their lives to carry out their mission. And when they give their lives, they are still being laid to rest in cemeteries in the quiet corners across our country, including here in Arlington.

Captain Sara Cullen had a smile that could light up a room and a love of country that led her to West Point. And after graduation, Sara became a Black Hawk pilot and married a former Black Hawk pilot. She was just 27 years old when she and four other soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash during a training mission near Kandahar. This past April, Sara was laid to rest here in Section 60. Today, Sara is remembered by her mother, Lynn, who says she's proud of her daughter's life, proud of her faith, and proud of her service to our country.

(APPLAUSE)

Staff Sergeant Frankie Phillips came from a military family and was as tough as they come. A combat medic, Frankie was on patrol in Afghanistan three weeks ago when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. He was so humble that his parents never knew how many lives he had saved until soldiers started showing up at his funeral from thousands of miles away. And last week, Frankie was laid to rest just a few rows over from Sara.

Staff Sergeant Eric Christian was a born leader, a member of the Marine Corps Special Operating Command. Eric had served five tours of duty, but kept going back because he felt responsible for his teammates and was determined to finish the mission. On May 4th, Eric gave his life after escorting a high-ranking U.S. official to meet with Afghan leaders.

Later, his family got a letter from a Marine who had served two tours with Eric. In it, the Marine wrote, "There were people who measured their success based on how many enemies they killed or how many missions they led to conquer a foe. Eric based his success on how many of his friends he brought home, and he brought home many, including me." Eric was laid to rest here at Arlington just six days ago.

(APPLAUSE)

So today we remember their service. Today, just steps from where these brave Americans lie in eternal peace, we declare as a proud and grateful nation that their sacrifice will never be forgotten. And just as we honor them, we hold their families close, because for the parents who lose a child, for the husbands and wives who lose a partner, for the children who lose a parent, every loss is devastating. And for those of us who bear the solemn responsibility of sending these men and women into harm's way, we know the consequences all too well. I feel it every time I meet a wounded warrior, every time I visit Walter Reed, and every time I grieve with a Gold Star family. And that's why, on this day, we remember our sacred obligation to those who laid down their lives so we could live ours to finish the job these men and women started by keeping our promise to those who wear America's uniform, to give our troops the resources they need and to keep faith with our veterans and their families, now and always, to never stop searching for those who've gone missing or -- or held as prisoners of war, but on a more basic level, every American can do something even simple. As we go about our daily lives, we must remember that our countrymen are still serving, still fighting, still putting their lives on the line for all of us.

You know, last fall, I received a letter from Candy Avrin (ph) of Charlotte, North Carolina. Both of her sons are Marines. Her oldest served two tours in Iraq; her youngest was in Afghanistan at the time. He was, in her words, "100 percent devoted to his deployment and wouldn't have had it any other way."

Reading Candy's (ph) letter, it was clear she was extraordinarily proud of the life her boys had chosen, but she also had a request on behalf of all the mothers just like her. She said, "Please don't forget about my child and every other Marine and soldier over there who proudly choose to defend their country." A mother's plea: Please don't forget.

On this Memorial Day and every day, let us be true and meet that promise. Let it be our task, every single one of us, to honor the strength and the resolve and the love these brave Americans felt for each other and for our country. Let us never forget to always remember and to be worthy of the sacrifice they make in our name.

May God bless the fallen and all those who serve, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

(APPLAUSE)

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing for if playing of "Taps" and the benediction.

UNIDENTIFIED SERVICEMEMBER: Present arms.

(MUSIC)

UNIDENTIFIED SERVICEMEMBER: Present arms.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let us now join together one last time in prayer on these hallowed grounds for our service. Let us pray.

Almighty God, continue to endow our president and all our leaders with energy and insight, and send us all on our way with strength for the journey that lay ahead. Let each and every day remind us to pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters in arms who stand at the tip of the spear for our nation this day for our freedom. Continue to bless this nation, our friends and the flag we serve. Now, may the spirit of God be near you to defend you, within you, to refresh you, before you to guide you, behind you to justify you, and above you to bless you forever more. Go in peace, brothers and sisters. Amen. (APPLAUSE)

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, please remain in place until the president has departed and the colors are retired.

(END LIVE FEED)

ASHLEIGH BANFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: And as they dismiss the colors during this annual remembrance ceremony -- it's such a message from the president, the least any of us can do is simply remember. It's extraordinarily important on this Memorial Day as we celebrate with out families and have picnics, barbecues, et cetera, that we just take a moment to reflect and remember and think about the 60,000 troops serving overseas in Afghanistan, as the president pointed out. Many of them, so sadly, week by week, become those we have to remember as well.

Again, I want to leave you with a few images of the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington where the wreath has been laid to signify all of those unknown service members who we've lost in duty.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BANFIELD: Today, we've been showcasing U.S. veterans from wars in Afghanistan and Iraq who've sacrificed their lives for this country. This hour, two more people for you to think about. 23-year-old Trevor Johnson. The Marine from Montana was trying to diffuse a roadside bomb in Afghanistan's Helmand Province when it exploded. Happened in January of '09. And also Kevin Cardoza. The Texan soldier, one of five killed earlier this month when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle in Afghanistan's Kandahar Province.

I definitely invite you to check out more of our fallen heroes. Please log onto CNN.com and join us in honoring the memory of 100 soldiers in 100 hours.

So many of those fallen troops who died in Iraq and Afghanistan are buried in what's known as Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery. You just heard President Obama mention it in his remarks, Section 60. A lot of families paying tribute to them this morning, including a bagpiper who was playing a beautiful rendition of "Amazing Grace."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(MUSIC: "AMAZING GRACE")

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BANFIELD: Just a stunning image and a beautiful sound.

Our Barbara Starr is live now in Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery. What is the connection of that bagpiper to the cemetery, Barbara?

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Ashleigh, what we see here so often on every Memorial Day, and even throughout the years, people come and celebrate their family traditions.

This bagpiper is a man who came to visit his father, a long-time veteran, and his mother as well, both buried here at Arlington. He comes every year to play his bagpipes for those laid to rest here. Arlington, of course, hallowed ground. 300,000 people buried here.

Have a listen to what this man had to say about his family.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GREGORY DUNCAN-PETERS, BAGPIPE PLAYER: My father passed away in 1989. And shortly thereafter, I started taking piping lessons because we had a piper play for my father here at Arlington. And it took me about four years to be able to come down here and play. And ever since then, every Memorial Day, I play here at 8:00 for my father. Every time I pick up the pipes, my father's here.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: So, just one of those who we have met here today.

And here at Section 60 -- I'm going to ask our cameraman to just pan off -- you will see the numbers of people here, the families, the young children who have come to remember their fallen mother or father. The crowds are really gathering here. So many mementos left behind, so many children.

We do expect, I must tell you, that within the next few minutes, President Obama will arrive here at Section 60 to pay his respects, along with the first lady as they have in the past. This is a place where well-known international figures, the president of the United States, comes.

But this is also a place where young children remember parents, where battle buddies we have seen all morning, young people, Marines, soldiers, Navy personnel, airmen, come and remember their friends who are buried here -- Ashleigh?

BANFIELD: That's so critical, Barbara, to remember not only those fallen, but those who the fallen left behind who also made that sacrifice, those families, those children, those friends.

Barbara, thank you. And do let us know when the president arrives there.

That's such a solemn moment. Thank goodness the weather's good so that they can be there enjoying this day. We're going to return to Arlington National Cemetery and our special Memorial Day coverage right after this.

(MUSIC)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BANFIELD: 2,000 miles in 27 days -- members of a charitable organization called Carry the Load have been walking that distance, walking, to remind communities that Memorial Day is not just about the start of summer.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(SINGING)

LT. CMDR. TRAVIS MANN, U.S. NAVY: The second year of the national relay. Start from West Point, New York, and head down to Dallas, Texas. It's 2,000 miles. We do that in 27 days with a mission to get the word out about Memorial Day. Got about 348 legs, each leg is about five miles.

BOB BAGOSY, PARTICIPANT: I'm here for my son. My son was Sergeant Thomas Robert Bagosy, whereas, I called him Tommy. And he was United States Marine corps.

KATIE BAGOSY, PARTICIPANT: He was stationed at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, and he served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tom actually took his own life on Camp LeJeune, May 10, 2010. I think that a lot of people think of Memorial Day as the start of summer. And we don't really remember what the actual meaning is. So I think that it's really great to get out there and just show everybody and be like, look, there are people out there dying for your freedom so you can celebrate and enjoy your summer and your barbecues.

BOB BAGOSY: We all belong to a club nobody wants to belong to. It's nobody wants to lose anybody to become part of this.

MANN: We kind of want Memorial Day to turn into memorial May. When you're seeing those families walk legs with us and you're watching their children and you're holding their hand on a five-mile leg and talking to them about their dad, that, to me, is tough. But in the same breath, it also lets me know that they're not forgotten.

KATIE BAGOSY: Tom was a very good man. He was great. He went to war. And he went back again. And he knew what he was getting into.

BOB BAGOSY: He was a great Marine. He was a wonderful father. And a good husband to his wife. And I miss him. This is my way of saying, hey, Tom, I'm still here.

His dog tag. He carried it in his boot when he died. So it's close to my heart.

MANN: As our legs get tired and our feet are sore, that pales in comparison to what people have done overseas.

(CROSSTALK)

MANN: Thanks for coming out, guys. This is awesome.

Do you all want to carry one of the flags? Yeah. I don't mind. There you go. Now, when it gets heavy, just let me know, all right?

(LAUGHTER)

BOB BAGOSY: Some long days, some long nights. TOMMY GALLARDA, TIGHT END, ATLANTA FALCONS: It's across America people have served. It's not just one specific part of the country. It's for all our cities, small towns that have gone overseas or wherever they have been locations. It's all of America coming together. It's showing that as they go through these communities that, you know, it doesn't matter which leg that you're at but just that you can come out and show respect and really thank them for what they're doing. It doesn't matter exactly where you're from. I think it's just something to show your respect with.

BOB BAGOSY: Carrying this flag during this parade -- I call it a parade. It's a small parade, but I just think that it's -- I don't know, it's just one of these things that I feel like I'm doing something for Tommy.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BANFIELD: West Point, New York, to Dallas, Texas. Carrytheload.org.

Thank you for watching, everyone. AROUND THE WORLD is next.