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Obama Honors US War Dead on Memorial Day

   VOA News  May 30, 2011
   People on motorcycles participate in Rolling Thunder, an annual
   motorcycle rally in Washington DC, to raise awareness of the plight of
   prisoners of war and soldiers still missing in action during Memorial
   Day weekend ceremonies. The holiday honors US war

Photo: AFP

   People on motorcycles participate in Rolling Thunder, an annual
   motorcycle rally in Washington DC, to raise awareness of the plight of
   prisoners of war and soldiers still missing in action during Memorial
   Day weekend ceremonies. The holiday honors US war veterans, May 29,
   2011

   U.S. President Barack Obama, a day after visiting tornado-ravaged
   Joplin, Missouri, is paying tribute to America's war dead as part of
   the country's Memorial Day observances.
   The last Monday in May is set aside to honor those who gave their lives
   for their country.
   The president, joined by his wife, is laying a wreath at Arlington
   National Cemetery, just outside Washington. Across the United States
   there are parades and ceremonies.
   In Washington, tens of thousands of motorcyclists are holding their
   traditional "Rolling Thunder" rally, riding through the nation's
   capital to call attention to soldiers who have gone missing in action.
   Memorial Day was also observed in Afghanistan where U.S. troops
   stationed there paused to remember the more than 1,400 killed in combat
   since 2001.
   A memorial service was held Sunday in Joplin, one week after a tornado
   ripped through the midwestern city, killing more than 140 people, with
   44 still missing.
   President Obama, during his visit, promised that the government will be
   with the city "every step of the way" as it rebuilds. He called the
   tornado "a national tragedy."
   Also on Monday, during a ceremony at the White House, the president is
   to announce Army General Martin Dempsey as his choice to replace Navy
   Admiral Mike Mullen as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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