And I want you to know that we will never forget the sacrifice and service of the American soldiers who gave their lives for people whose names they never knew, and whose faces they never saw, and yet people who have lived in freedom thanks to the bravery and valour of the Americans who gave the "last full measure of devotion".

BBC: In full: Brown's speech to Congress

But the tragedies of Virginia Tech and Columbine, and Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, where five girls were shot at an Amish school last year are not the full measure of the curse of guns.

ECONOMIST: After the Virginia Tech massacre

They gave their all, their last full measure of devotion, in Kandahar, in the Korengal, in Helmand, in the battles for Baghdad and Fallujah and Ramadi.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama at the American Legion Conference

Michelle and I just had a few moments at the Warriors Walk, paying tribute to 441 of your fallen comrades -- men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion to keep our nation safe.

WHITEHOUSE: Improving Educational Opportunities for Service Members, Veterans and Their Families | The White House