day event there. with senator john mccain. mitt romney released this statement paying tribute to veterans. take a look. >> time for us to come together. carry this message across the country. that we're restoring those principles that made america the great nation that it is. we're going to keep america strong. and worthy of the great sacrifice of america's veterans. >> it's also worth mentions on this memorial day, that the veteran vote is also important. they make up about 13% of all voters. president obama lost veterans to john mccain back in 2008. the latest gallop poll shows he is trailing mitt romney in that group, so in the coming days and months, both candidates will be trying to appeal to veterans. >> thank you. kristen welker at the white house for us this morning and we will have live coverage of the president here on msnbc at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. eastern time. this week, congress will