Obama stops at Arlington National Cemetery

President Barack Obama speaks during a news conference, Tuesday, March 24, 2009, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama made an unannounced stop at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday to pay respects to recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award.

Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. He was joined by several living recipients of the medal, which was first awarded during the Civil War.

March 25 of each year is National Medal of Honor Day.

The president visited the cemetery after meeting privately with Senate Democrats on Capitol Hill.

In a statement later Wednesday, Obama said Medal of Honor recipients are the "foremost example of greatness in service and sacrifice."

"Their bravery and humble strength continues to reassure our nation of the strength of its character and ideals even in these difficult times," the president said. "We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude that our nation can never fully repay."

"We must never forget their sacrifice and will always keep the fallen and their families in our thoughts and prayers," he said.