On Pearl Harbor Day, Obama says WWII vets built 'strongest economy in the world'

President Obama commemorated veterans Wednesday on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, saluting the veterans and survivors of the Greatest Generation, who "turned adversaries into our closest allies."

Obama sent thoughts and prayers to the families of the more than 2,400 American civilians and members of the military who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor, as well as to the veterans who went on to build "the largest middle class in history and the strongest economy in the world."

In a statement released by the White House, Obama echoed his own speech on Tuesday in Kansas, where he urged the public to unite behind his vision for reclaiming American values. The World War II veterans who overcame the odds, including the Great Depression, "remind us that no challenge is too great when Americans stand as one," Obama said. 

"All of us owe these men and women a profound debt of gratitude for the freedoms and standard of living we enjoy today," he continued. "On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we also reaffirm our commitment to carrying on their work — to keeping the country we love strong, free and prosperous."

Obama committed to "always take care of our troops, veterans and military families as well as they've taken care of us."

The Obama administration this year announced an initiative to push private-sector firms to hire at least 100,000 veterans by the end of 2013. Obama also included in his jobs legislation a component offering tax incentives for businesses that hire unemployed veterans.

He also made note of the conclusion of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The president announced in October that all U.S. troops in Iraq will be home in time for the Christmas holiday. 

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