Photo by Alex McVeigh Spectators fill the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery Wednesday for the Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony.

The ceremony started on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, when Obama and Brig. Gen. Karl R. Horst, commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and Military District of Washington laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

After the wreath was laid, Obama, Horst, Joe and Jill Biden, Eric Shinseki, secretary of Veterans Affairs, L. Tammy Duckworth, assistant secretary of Veterans Affairs and Gene A. Crayton, National President of the Paralyzed Veterans of America filed into the Memorial Amphitheater.

The U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants played a medley of patriotic songs as the colors were brought in by several groups of veterans, and Duckworth led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Crayton welcomed the audience, which consisted of several hundred people who packed the amphitheater on the cold, rainy morning. He spoke of veterans as men and women who are a testament to America’s commitment to freedom around the globe.

‘‘Our veterans are a diverse group. They represent our nation’s firm commitment to advancing freedom and democracy,” Crayton said.

When Obama took the stage, he expressed his sincere appreciation to all the veterans in attendance, as well as the ones all around the world.

‘‘I am deeply honored and humbled to spend Veterans Day with you in this sacred place where generations of heroes have come to rest, and generations of Americans have come to show their gratitude,” Obama said. ‘‘There are many honors and responsibilities that come with this job. But none is more profound than serving as commander in chief.”

He had special words for the Soldiers who are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, calling them a shining example for today’s generation.

‘‘In an era where so many acted only in pursuit of narrow self-interest, they’ve chosen the opposite. They chose to serve the cause that is greater than self; many even after they knew they’d be sent into harm’s way,” Obama said. ‘‘For the better part of a decade, they have endured tour after tour in distant and difficult places; they have protected us from danger; and they have given others the opportunity for a better life.

‘‘We call this a holiday. But for many veterans, it’s another day of memories that drive them to live their lives each day as best as they possibly can. For our troops, it is another day in harm’s way. For their Families, it is another day to feel the absence of a loved one, and the concern for their safety. For our wounded warriors, it is another day of slow and arduous recovery. And in this national cemetery, it is another day when grief remains fresh.”

Obama concluded his remarks with a promise to all those who serve, have served or will serve America in the armed forces.

‘‘[Today] is a day we keep in our minds the brave men and women of this young nation, generations of them, who above all else believed in and fought for a set of ideals. Because they did, our country still stands, our founding principles still shine, nations around the world that once knew nothing but fear now know the blessings of freedom,” Obama said. ‘‘And to those who are serving in far-flung places today: when your tour ends, when you see our flag, when you touch our soil, you will be home in an America that is forever here for you just as you’ve been there for us. That is my promise — our nation’s promise — to you.”