At Fort Hood, President Obama Vows to Keep Firearms Out of the Hands of Mentally Ill

President Obama called for United States citizens to continue working to treat Americans suffering from mental health issues and to keep firearms out of their hands, during his speech at the Fort Hood Memorial ceremony on Wednesday. 

“In our open society, and in vast bases like this, we can never eliminate every risk, but as a nation we can do more to help council those with mental health issues, to keep firearms out of the hands of those who are having such deep difficulties,” Obama said. 

Obama explained that as commander-in-chief he would continue to step up efforts to care for members of the armed forces promising to “deliver the care that they need” and “never stigmatize those that have the courage to seek help” for mental health issues.  

Obama also recognized the “9/11 generation” who had the courage to volunteer to serve in the armed forces and keep America secure. >[?”When we truly welcome our veterans home, we show them we need them not just to fight in other countries, but to build up our own,” he said.