President obama paid his respects laying the traditional wreath at the tomb for the first unknown soldier from world war i was buried 94 years ago. President obama says the nation owe as debt of gratitude to everyone who made that ultimate sacrifice. For many of us, this memorial day is especially meaningful. It is the first since our war in afghanistan came to an end. Today its the first memorial day in 14 years that the United States is not engaged in a major ground war. Earlier this morning several wreaths were laid at the National World war ii memorial. A dozen veterans participated in the ceremony honoring the 400,000 americans who lost their lives during the war. Veterans visiting from norway also took part in todays ceremonial. Rockville also honoring the nations heroes with its 71st annual memorial day parade. This years grand marshal was corporal jeff king who served in afghanistan. Along his honors, the purple heart and combat action ribbon. The parade featured a variety of f