U.S. President Barack Obama has described the Vietnam War as one of the most painful chapters in US history. Obama reflected on the "hard lessons" of the War at a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of its start.
Obama honoured the fallen service men and women on Memorial day by paying a special tribute to Vietnam Veterans. The President also added that the way Vietnam war heroes were treated upon their return home was a "national shame".
Obama also took the time to remind voters he brought an end to the Iraq War, and is winding down the Afghanistan War. Obama is seen as competing with Republican candidate Mitt Romney for veterans’ votes, but polls show he lags behind.
U.S. President Barack Obama delivers remarks during an observance of the 50th
anniversary of the Vietnam War, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington,
May 28, 2012.
President Barack Obama, center, with Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, left, Commander
of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, during a wreath-laying ceremony at
the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May
28, 2012, in Arlington, Va.
U.S. President Barack Obama (2nd L) and his wife Michelle (L) stand onstage with Vice
President Joe Biden (R) and his wife Jill (2nd R) during an observance of the 50th
anniversary of the Vietnam War, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington,
May 28, 2012.
U.S. President Barack Obama wipes his face as he makes remarks
during an observance of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War,
at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington May 28, 2012.
U.S. President Barack Obama (L) delivers remarks during an observance of the 50th
anniversary of the Vietnam War, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington,
May 28, 2012.
（编辑：何莹莹）