Obama kicks off ‘Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride’ (updated with video)

President Obama paid tribute to a group of veterans and their supporters by kicking off the Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride today.

Update, new video:
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Here is a portion of the President’s remarks:

Today is a reminder … that every American, every single person in this country, can do something to support our remarkable troops and their families. Everybody can do something.

So seven years ago, a bartender from Long Island had the same idea. He wasn’t from a military family. He had never served in the military. But he knew that he owed our military something. He was just an ordinary American who was grateful for the service of all those who wear the uniform. And he said, “I just wanted to give something back.”

So he jumped on his bike and rode across the country — over 5,000 miles — to raise funds and awareness for our wounded warriors. Today, there are Soldier Rides all across America giving our wounded warriors the confidence and support they need to recover. That’s the difference a single person can make. Today we want to thank Chris Carney and everyone from the Wounded Warrior Project for reminding us of our obligations to each other as Americans …

Photos: AP/Evan Vucci