Obama, Soldiers Gather To Mourn At Fort Hood

President Obama on Tuesday praised the 12 soldiers and one Army retiree killed during last week's shooting spree at Fort Hood, Texas, promising that their dedication to service would not be forgotten and their deaths would be avenged "in this world and the next."

During a memorial service steeped in military tradition, Obama named each of the 13 who died and shared personal stories about them and their families with the crowd of about 15,000.

"For those families who have lost a loved one, no words can fill the void that has been left. We knew these men and women as soldiers and caregivers. You knew them as mothers and fathers; sons and daughters; sisters and brothers," Obama told family members of the dead, who wore white ribbons in tribute to their loved ones.

A pair of combat boots with a rifle and helmet representing each victim — the traditional military tribute for the fallen — lined the stage in front of the president. A photograph of each victim put a personal face on the tragedy.

At the conclusion of the service, the president and first lady paused in front of the photographs, and the president placed a commander-in-chief coin next to each as a sign of tribute.

Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the mass murder in which dozens of people, including the gunman, were wounded at the nation's largest Army post.

Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan is accused of firing off more than 100 rounds before civilian police Sgt. Kimberly Munley, 34, and another officer managed to halt the fire. Hasan, a psychiatrist, is in stable condition at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, near San Antonio.

Although Obama did not mention Hasan by name, he told the crowd that no faith would condone the murders. Hasan is Muslim.

"It may be hard to comprehend the twisted logic that led to this tragedy, but this much we do know — no faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favor," Obama said. "And for what he has done, we know that the killer will be met with justice — in this world, and the next."

The president also retold stories of grace under fire in the wake of last week's shooting, as soldiers scrambled to help wounded comrades when a gunman suddenly opened fire on the nation's largest Army post. Some stripped off their clothes to make tourniquets and others braved gunfire to get the wounded out of harm's way.

"One young soldier, Amber Bahr, was so intent on helping others that she did not realize for some time that she, herself, had been shot in the back," the president said.

Before the service, Obama and first lady Michelle Obama met privately with the families of the dead and some of the wounded. The first couple also planned to visit wounded troops in the hospital before they returned to Washington.

Lt. Gen. Robert Cone, post commander, said the service should help the community take a step toward normalcy.

Preparations for the president's visit began late Sunday, when the Army started erecting a giant wall of metal shipping containers stacked three high for hundreds of yards. The temporary walls created an L-shaped outdoor theater on a large grassy field at Fort Hood. The post gates opened at 10 a.m. to accommodate members of the public, many of who were expected to come to the event by shuttle.

Top military officials — including Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey and Army Secretary John McHugh — were on hand for the service.

Arizona Sen. John McCain, a Vietnam War veteran; Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Texas Gov. Rick Perry also attended.

Contributing: NPR staff and wire service reports