The 13 servicemen and women killed last week at Fort Hood, Texas, were honored today with a memorial service at the base.
President Obama addressed the crowd, telling the friends and family of those killed, “Your loved ones endure through the life of our nation.”
“Their memory will be honored in the places they lived and by the people they touched,” he said. “Their life’s work is our security, and the freedom that we too often take for granted. Every evening that the sun sets on a tranquil town; every dawn that a flag is unfurled; every moment that an American enjoys life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – that is their legacy.”
He spoke briefly about each of the 13.
“These men and women came from all parts of the country. Some had long careers in the military. Some had signed up to serve in the shadow of 9/11. Some had known intense combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, and some cared for those did. Their lives speak to the strength, the dignity and the decency of those who serve, and that is how they will be remembered,” he said.
Obama also said the killer would be given “due process” and just punishment.
“We are a nation of laws whose commitment to justice is so enduring that we would treat a gunman and give him due process, just as surely as we will see that he pays for his crimes,” he said. (Obama’s full remarks are here.)
Lt. Gen. Robert Cone, the commander of Fort Hood, also spoke.
“Our Army family deeply mourns the loss of your loved ones,” Cone said. He lauded the “many actions of courage and bravery,” saying the shooting “could have been far worse” without those who responded first, some performing first aid even after they had been wounded.
Gen. George Casey, the Army chief of staff, said the base “saw countless examples of our warrior ethos,” and that those killed “epitomize the best of America.”
“The Army and Fort Hood are no stranger to pain and tragedy and loss,” he said. “That’s been the case for the last eight years.”
But, he said, they’ve “drawn strength from that adversity.”
“Grieve with us, don’t grieve for us,” Casey said.
After the three spoke, Amazing Grace was sung and prayers were said. A roll call of those dead and wounded was called.
After the service, Obama placed a presidential challenge coin in front of each of the individual memorials — made up of a photograph of the deceased, their combat boots, rifle and helmet — one by one.
The service was slightly delayed because Obama and the First Lady were meeting with wounded soldiers and their families. They also met with the families of the fallen.
Before the ceremony, the families of the dead walked together down a flight of steps to join the crowd. They were followed by the wounded, some on crutches or leaning on family members, and then by the Obamas.
