Students should have the freedom to learn in school without having to fear for their lives. Period. We must never accept senseless violence that leaves families and communities shattered. It pierces the very soul of our nation. We can and must do more to prevent gun violence and save lives. Jill and I are grieving the lives lost and those wounded at Brown University, and we are keeping the victims, their loved ones, and all of Providence in our prayers.
Three years ago, I was proud to sign the Respect for Marriage Act into law. Deciding whether to marry, and who to marry, is one of the most profound decisions a person can make. Marriage is a simple proposition: who do you love, and will you be loyal to the person you love? It’s not more complicated than that.
Today, we celebrate the courage of all who made that day possible. It’s that kind of progress that gives us hope that, with every generation, we will continue our journey toward a more perfect union.
I’ve always said our nation has a sacred obligation: to prepare those we send into harm’s way, to support their loved ones when they are gone, and to provide for them and their families when they come home.
To honor that call, when I was President one of my proudest accomplishments was signing the PACT Act — the most significant expansion of care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances.
This Veterans Day, we honor all the brave men and women who answered the call to serve and defend. Our nation is stronger and our democracy more secure because of their service and sacrifice.