Former President Barack Obama recently surprised a group of veterans, including those who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, upon their arrival in Washington, D.C. The veterans, visibly moved, audibly gasped as Obama boarded their plane just before they were scheduled to embark on a tour of the nation’s capital. This unexpected gesture underscores the ongoing national effort to honor and support veterans, a population that comprises roughly 6% of the U.S. adult population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest estimates.
Obama addressed the veterans, expressing gratitude for their service and sacrifices. “Hello, everybody. As we approach Veterans Day, I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for your extraordinary service,” he stated. “To you, your family, the sacrifices that you all made to protect our country are something that will always be honored, and we are very grateful.” His words reflect a sentiment shared by many Americans, with initiatives like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) striving to improve healthcare and benefits for the approximately 19 million veterans across the country.