President-elect Barack Obama pledged to serve members of the US armed forces as well as they have served their country as he marked Veterans' Day.
Mr Obama praised "the extraordinary service and selfless sacrifice of our nation's veterans" who have "defended the American people and stood up for American values".
He issued his statement as his predecessor, President George Bush, said the US was "more secure" because of the war on terror.
"Let us rededicate ourselves to keep a sacred trust with all who have worn the uniform of the United States of America - that America will serve you as well as you have served your country," Mr Obama said in a statement.
"As your next commander-in-chief, I promise to work every single day to keep that sacred trust with all who have served."
The president-elect, who will inherit wars in Iraq and Afghanistan from Mr Bush, was accompanied by Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran who lost her legs in combat.
"Since 9/11, a new generation of American heroes has borne a heavy load in facing down the threats of the 21st century, and their families have been asked to bear the painful absence of a loved one," he said.
"These Americans are the best and bravest among us, and they are all in our thoughts and prayers."
Meanwhile in New York, Mr Bush said the US armed forces "showed up" for the war on terror and the nation was more secure for it as he rededicated the Second World War aircraft carrier USS Intrepid after a two-year £75 million refurbishment.
He thanked veterans across America for "standing up when your nation needed you the most".
Speaking in the shadow of the Intrepid and near the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, where sailors and marines peered down on the ceremony from the deck, Mr Bush said: "The war on terror has required courage.
"It has required resolve equal to what previous generations of Americans brought to the fields of Europe and the deep waters of the Pacific.
