Obama arrives at Fort Hood for ceremony

Austin American Statesman 11/10/09
Obama arrives at Fort Hood for ceremony, meetings with families

FORT HOOD — President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle arrived at Fort Hood about 11:15 today and will take part in a memorial service for the victims of Thursday’s shooting that is set for 1 p.m.

Air Force One landed about 11:15 and taxied on the air strip at the Army post about 15 minutes before coming to a stop. Obama was wearing a dark suit and red tie, and Michelle had on a black dress and pearls.
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After the service, the president will meet with family members of the 13 people killed and will meet in a hospital on the post with some of the 29 wounded in the shootings, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said

"This is a very solemn event," Gibbs said. "I think the president is proud to take part in the honor — in honoring these men and women so close to Veterans Day."

Yahoo News 11/10/09
Obama honoring 13 who fell in Fort Hood rampage

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Accompanying Obama to Texas on Air Force One, spokesman Robert Gibbs said the president will talk briefly about each of the 13 who fell under a gunman's siege last Thursday. The spokesman said Obama also plans to praise "the dedication of the armed forces" and say just how much people all over the country were touched by acts of heroism and professionalism under incredible stress.

AAS 11/10/09
Officials: 20,000 expected to attend memorial service

Fort Hood is expecting about 20,000 people to attend today’s memorial service for the victims of Thursday’s shooting, spokesman Jay Adams said. The service is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Officials earlier said they were expecting about 5,000 people. Adams said the post has accommodated 20,000 people in previous visits by President George W. Bush.

Thousands of soldiers wearing their camouflage uniforms were filing into a large yard framed by high stacks of shipping containers. Civilians joined them.

Soldiers, some wearing black of maroon berets, were seated on folding chairs and clumped together under the shade of trees, or sitting on the grass, waiting for the memorial service. President Barack Obama’s remarks were still more than two hours away.