PRESIDENT- Barack Obama pledged to serve members of the American armed forces as well as they had served their country as he marked Veterans' Day yesterday.

Speaking in Chicago, where he laid a wreath at a memorial, he was accompanied by Tammy Duckworth, a disabled Iraq war veteran who is now the Illinois governor's director of veterans' affairs. Mr Obama hugged her in salute of her courage.

Mr Obama, who will inherit wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan, praised "the extraordinary service and selfless sacrifice of our nation's veterans" who have "defended the American people and stood up for American values".

The president-elect added: "Since 9/11, a new generation of American heroes has borne a heavy load in facing down the threats of the 21st century.

"Their families have been asked to bear the painful absence of a loved one. These Americans are the best and bravest among us, and they are all in our thoughts and prayers."

Mr Obama added: "As your next commander-in-chief, I promise to work every single day to keep that sacred trust with all who have served."

Meanwhile, in New York, speaking of the war on terror, President Bush said: "I'm proud to report to my fellow citizens – our armed forces have showed up for the fight and America is more secure for it."

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U.S. president-elect Barack Obama and Iraq war veteran and Illinois State Director of Veterans Affairs Tammy Duckworth place a wreath at the Bronze Soldiers Memorial on the lakefront in Chicago.