WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama paid tribute to America’s veterans this weekend during his weekly address, promising to ensure the United States demonstrates its appreciation through career and educational opportunities.

“Veterans’ Day weekend is a chance for all of us to say two simple words: ‘Thank you,’” he said, recognizing all veterans who have preserved America’s freedoms through many decades and in many different theaters.

Noting veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, and those now returning home from deployments, Obama said the United States must “serve them as well as they served us.”

That includes “making sure that every veteran has every chance to share in the opportunity he or she has helped defend,” he said. “In addition to the care and benefits they’ve earned – including good mental health care to stay strong – that means a good job, a good education, and a home to call their own.”

“If you fight for your country overseas, you should never have to fight for a job when you come home,” the president said, noting broad efforts across government and the private sector to provide job opportunities.

“We’re also committed to giving today’s veterans and their families the same shot at a great education this country gave my grandfather when he came home from World War II,” he said, through benefits provided through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

“The skill, dedication, and courage of our troops is unmatched – and when they come home, we all benefit from their efforts to build a stronger America and a brighter future for our kids,” Obama said.

“So to all our veterans, on behalf our entire nation, thank you for everything you’ve done and will continue to do for our country,” he said. “As long as I’m your president, I will make it my mission to make sure that America has your back, not just on one day or one weekend, but 365 days a year.”

Source: Department of Defense