America's fallen heroes were paid reverence on the US Memorial Day as President Barack Obama saluted the Americans who died in battle, asserting that it is a debt "we can never fully repay but it is a debt that the country will never stop trying to repay".

In an annual ceremony of remembrance on Monday, Barack Obama noted that it was the first Memorial Day in 14 years without US forces being engaged in a major ground war.

Addressing a crowd of 5,000 at the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, Obama commended the US military personnel for their immense sacrifices. He glorified their loss, asserting that graveyard is "more than a final resting place of heroes".

Obama acknowledged the services of those who served in conflicts such as World War-II as well as in the more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obama called these men and women, who surpass all racial and religious diversities to fight for the well being of the nation as 'a reflection of America itself', stressing that these servicemen paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve 'the ideals that bind us as one nation'.

Obama said, "For many of us, this Memorial Day is especially meaningful. It is the first since our war in Afghanistan came to an end". The appearance of Obama comes several months after the end of the US combat mission in Afghanistan.

He admitted to the fact that Afghanistan remains a very dangerous place and our troops continue to risk their lives for us. He added, "Today, fewer than 10,000 troops remain on a mission to train and assist Afghan forces. We'll continue to bring them home and reduce our forces further, down to an embassy presence by the end of next year".

Obama's tribute also comes amidst the increasing criticism of display of American strength in the capture of Ramadi and in counteracting Iraq insurgents though Obama made no reference to it.