In a speech to several thousand people, Romney called for a strong U.S. military.
The best choice is "to commit to preserve America as the strongest military in the world, second to none, with no comparable power anywhere in the world," he said. "We choose that course in America, not so that we just win wars, but so we can prevent wars because a strong America is the best deterrent to war that has ever been invented."
Military veterans have traditionally been strong supporters of Republican presidential candidates, although Obama is aggressively courting the constituency. McCain, the Republican nominee in 2008 and a one-time prisoner of war, won 54 percent of the veterans vote, compared with 44 percent for Obama, according to exit polls at the time.
Vets Support Romney
Veterans support Romney over Obama by 58 percent to 34 percent, according to data from an analysis of Gallup Daily tracking interviews conducted April 11 through May 24.
In this election year, the administration is reminding voters that it has fought for increased funding for veterans' health care and expansion of the GI Bill for education. It's also won approval of a tax credit that encourages businesses to hire unemployed veterans.
"As long as I'm president, we will make sure you and your loved ones receive the benefits you've earned and the respect you deserve," Obama said. "America will be there for you."
The president also designated May 28 to Nov. 11 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. He urged Americans to honor Vietnam veterans with programs, ceremonies, and activities.
At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Obama said yesterday that America honors the 58,282 soldiers who paid the ultimate price and whose names are etched into the wall.
For those who returned, "even though some Americans turned their back on you, you never turned your back on America," Obama said.