President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney celebrated Memorial Day on opposite parts of the United States. They both tried to woo service members, veterans, and their families to their side. This has been one of the battlegrounds in the presidential election. Memorial Day

President Obama paid his respects to fallen soldiers at three events during Memorial Day. He had a White House breakfast for families who have lost loved ones, a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and gave a speech at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that was attended by thousands.

On the other hand, Romney was joined by Senator John McCain, a decorated Vietnam veteran, during a wreath laying ceremony in San Diego. There were around 5,000 people in the crowd during the event.

The president’s speeches honored the nation’s dead war heroes and praised the veterans for their contributions. At the Arlington cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknowns, President Obama recognized the first and the final casualties of the war in Iraq. He promised that the country will go to war only with a clear mission, with the support of the nation, and if it’s absolutely needed.

Actor Tom Selleck was the master of ceremonies at the Vietnam Memorial ceremony. The president delivered a long speech where he addressed some of the war’s most painful legacies. He described the treatment of returning Vietnam veterans as a national shame. He added that it was a disgrace that should have never happened.

The president also promised that he will do anything in in his power to find those still missing in action and to give additional benefits to disabled veterans, those affected by the Agent Orange, those suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome, and those who can’t find jobs.

In San Diego, Romney spoke about the time he visited Iraq and Afghanistan while he was still governor of Massachusetts. He talked not just about the soldiers and also their families left at home.