Memorial Day: Political Leaders Voice Support of Veterans

From the Baltimore County executive to the president of the United States, politicians are honoring veterans for Memorial Day.

Gov. Martin O'Malley will be local to the Reisterstown Road corridor Monday when he pays a visit to .

According to his public schedule, O'Malley plans to give remarks during the Memorial Day service at the cemetery, 11501 Garrison Forest Road in Owings Mills.

Presidential plans

Also on Monday, President Barack Obama plans to visit two important military sites in the Washington D.C. area: The Tomb of the Unknowns and the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial.

First he'll visit the tomb at Arlington National Cemetery, according to a report in Armed Forces Press Service. Later in the day he will visit the memorial in Washington, D.C., marking the 50th anniversary of the war that claimed 58,000 Americans.

Watch Obama, live, as he pays tribute to fallen military at Arlington National Cemetery.

"On Memorial Day, we come together as Americans to let these families and veterans know that they are not alone," Obama said in the report. "We give thanks for those who sacrificed everything so that we could be free. And we commit ourselves to upholding the ideals for which so many patriots have fought and died."

Obama also urges Americans to support members of the military as well as initiatives that help veterans, including healthcare, benefits, and finding a good job, the report states.

County honor

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz gave a speech Sunday during a Memorial Day service at the Wayside Cross World War I Monument in Towson

The service was held by the American Legion Post. No. 22 and the Towson Elks.

According to a statement from Kamenetz's office, it was held "To remember those who have died in service to our nation."

The post built the cross and lays a wreath there each Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and maintains the flags.

Memorial Day is observed the last Monday in May, according to USA.gov.

At 3 p.m. local time there's a minute of silence to honor U.S. men and women who died during military service.

Read coverage of the Arlington National Cemetery ceremony.

Read coverage of the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial ceremony.

Read the full story on Obama's Memorial Day plans and comments.

Read Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz's reflections about Memorial Day.

Do you know of any other Memorial Day ceremonies that should be mentioned? Put them in the comments section below this article, or write any other comments you have on this Memorial Day.