President Obama celebrates Veterans Day by honoring the oldest living WWII vet

Richard Overton, 107-years-old, was honored at a special Veterans Day service at Arlington National Cemetery in Alexandra on Monday. President Obama led the crowd in a standing ovation for the World War II vet who fought at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. “This is the life of one American veteran — living proud and strong in the land he helped keep free,” said the president. He then added that his goal as commander in chief is making sure we’re providing unprecedented support to our veterans.”

Overton was very grateful for the honor, and was able to meet with Obama at a White House breakfast earlier in the day. “It went alright,” Overton said about his meeting with the president. “I hope he keeps on talking some good words about me.”  After the ceremony Overton commented: “It made me feel like I was somebody.”

After laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Obama went on to acknowledge all veterans, and the rights they deserve. “When we talk about fulfilling our promises to our veterans, we don’t just mean for a few years. We mean now, tomorrow, and forever,” said the president. He also addressed the enormous number of claims at the Veteran Administration. “We’ve slashed it by a third since March, and we’re going to keep at it so you can get the benefits that you have earned and that you need, when you need them.”