Memorial Day: Obama talks of ending wars, Romney stresses on continued military strength

President Barack Obama addressed the veterans on Memorial Day (Monday), noting that the U.S. troops are coming home after a decade-long war while stressing that their will be no more wars unless absolutely necessary. GOP presumptive nominee Mitt Romney expressed his concern over the threats from the outside world and encouraged continued military strength.

In his speech to mark the annual commemoration of the fallen and missing soldiers, Obama said that the war in Iraq has finally ended and the one going on in Afghanistan is also winding down. "For the first time in nine years, Americans are not fighting and dying in Iraq,” the president said. “We are winding down the war in Afghanistan and our troops will continue to come home." Obama further said that now it’s our responsibility to welcome them with respect while ensuring their better future.

Obama highlighted the honored promise he made during the 2008 election campaign that he would put an end to the war in Iraq and call back the troops. Reinforcing his leadership abilities, he promises to end the war in Afghanistan by 2014 if he gets re-elected this year, when he comes face to face with Republican nominee Mitt Romney.

The president noted that while the wars might be ending, it hardly means anything for the families of the fallen soldiers because of their tremendous loss. "Especially for those who have lost a loved one, this chapter will remain open long after the guns have fallen silent," Obama said.

Mitt Romney also addressed the veterans in San Diego. Stressing upon his commitment over a stronger national defense system, he said the United States has two options. One is the path to Europe - which means "shrinking our military smaller and smaller to pay for social needs" that would create a world where "no one would stand to protect us. The other is to commit to preserve America as the strongest military in the world, second to none, with no comparable power anywhere in the world."

He mentioned Pakistan’s nuclear program, Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s intensions and China’s gradual rise to becoming a military superpower as potential threats to the nation. "I wish I could tell you the world is a safe place today. It is not." Romney said.