ARLINGTON, Va. - President Barack Obama went to the national burial ground for war heros to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, a day after leading a memorial service for those slain in the Fort Hood shootings.
On a gray, rainy day, Obama took part in a tradition honoring not only those who lost their lives in battle but also the men and women who serve U.S. military missions worldwide today.
Wearing a black raincoat, the president place a flower-laced wreath on a stand and stood over it silently for several moments. He placed his hand on his heart as a bugler played taps.
A Northwest soldier also laid one of the five wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Andrew Pike is from Kimberly, Idaho. He was wounded by a sniper in Iraq in 2007.
Pike was ambushed while on foot patrol, and the bullet hit him in the abdomen below his protective vest. No one else was hurt in the attack.
A surgeon was with the platoon and dragged Pike to safety and immediately began treating his wound. He was taken to a military hospital in Germany for treatment and recovery.
Pike's family was at the ceremony. An aunt said they are all very excited. She said it is a huge honor for Andrew.
