President Barack Obama paid fond tribute Wednesday to the determination of the U.S. military, from those who served generations ago to today's troops fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq and missions around the world.

"To all of them - to our veterans, to the fallen and to their families - there is no tribute, not commemoration, no praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service and your sacrifice," Obama said in a traditional Veterans Day ceremony at the hallowed Arlington National Cemetery.

Obama pledged he would do right by all veterans and families, saying: "America will not let you down."

The president spoke one day after somberly honoring the victims of a shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas. His first Veterans Day as president comes as Obama is on the cusp of announcing a revamped war strategy in Afghanistan that is expected to include sending thousands more troops into that war zone.

Earlier at this national burial ground for war heroes, Obama placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Wearing a black raincoat, the president place a flower-laced wreath on a stand and stood over it silently for several moments. He placed his hand on his heart as a bugler played taps.