He praised those who serve or have served in uniform and reminded the American public of their diversity — a move designed to calm tensions around the suspected shooter, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan.
"They are Americans of every race, faith and station. They are Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and nonbelievers," Obama said in his radio and Internet address, airing the weekend before Veterans Day.
"They are descendants of immigrants and immigrants themselves. They reflect the diversity that makes this America. But what they share is a patriotism like no other."
After the address aired, Obama talked about the Fort Hood shootings with Democratic House members. On Capitol Hill Saturday for a closed-door meeting on health care reform legislation, Obama opened his remarks by speaking about Fort Hood, participants said.
He told lawmakers that the hardships members of the military endure for the country "is what sacrifice really is," according to Rep. Robert Andrews, a New Jersey Democrat, as opposed to "casting a vote that might lose an election for you."
The president asked for patience while officials piece together what happened Thursday in Texas at the nation's largest Army post. The shootings left 13 dead and 30 others wounded.
"We cannot fully know what leads a man to do such a thing," Obama said. "But what we do know is that our thoughts are with every one of the men and women who were injured at Fort Hood. Our thoughts are with all the families who've lost a loved one in this national tragedy."
But Obama said while "we saw the worst of human nature on full display, we also saw the best of America."
39° 