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 The commemoration at Arlington, where more than 40,000 military
personnel and their families are buried, was part of events that
include a giant concert in Washington featuring such stars as Bruce
Springsteen and Rihanna.
A bugler played "Taps" after Biden laid a wreath at Arlington's Tomb
of the Unknowns. Biden later told hundreds of onlookers, many of
them veterans, that their service had made them "the most tested of
all Americans."
"You are not only the heart and soul but you are the very spine of
this nation," he said.
The ceremony began at 11 a.m., marking the hour fighting ended in
World War One on Nov. 11, 1918. The commemoration included music by
the U.S. Marine Band and the singing of "God Bless America."
President Barack Obama, who is on a trip to Asia, said in a
proclamation that his administration was working to end homelessness
among veterans and was committed to providing them healthcare and
access to education.
"We will never forget the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and
all those who have not yet returned home," he said.
The ceremony, under cloudless skies and amid autumn foliage, drew a
scattering of uniformed military personnel and many veterans and
their families.
"It's good that I can be here for the ones who can't, and remember
the ones who didn't come home," said Army veteran Ray Footland, 44,
from Pasadena, Maryland.
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Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel also spoke at the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial. He said military personnel who had served since the Sept.
11, 2001, attacks had told him "they don't need a handout or a hand
up.
"They just want the opportunity to continue to prove themselves," he
said.
The main Washington Veterans Day event is the three-hour "Concert
for Valor" on the National Mall, sponsored by Starbucks Corp and
HBO, in the evening. It is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of
spectators.
Entertainers include Springsteen, Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, Eminem
and Metallica. Onstage appearances are set for such actors as Bryan
Cranston and Jamie Foxx.
Some celebrities, including Will Smith and Oprah Winfrey, will speak
via recorded tributes. The concert will be broadcast by HBO.
(Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by Mohammad Zargham and Eric
Beech)
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