Washington ( CNN ) -- President Barack Obama hosted a dinner to salute soldiers recently back from Iraq -- marking his first major tribute to the veterans since officially withdrawing all troops from the nation . The White House said it invited more than 100 veterans and one guest each to the event Wednesday night , and a few veteran groups and Gold Star families . `` In the history of this house , there has never been a night quite like this , '' Obama said . `` This evening we welcome not the statesmen who decide great questions of war and peace , but citizens men and women from every corner of our country , from every rank of our military , every branch of our service , who answer the call , who go to war , who defend the peace . '' Touching upon veteran difficulties following the Vietnam War , Obama pledged to thank and honor the service of wartime veterans . `` You succeeded in your mission , '' Obama said . `` In your resilience , we see the essence of America because we do not give up . All of you taught us a lesson about the character of our country . '' At the end of his 10 minute speech , the president raised a glass of water and toasted his guests . `` To the country we love , to the men and women who defend her , and to that faith -- that fundamental American faith -- that says no mission is too hard , no challenge is too great , '' Obama said . `` Through tests and through trials , we do n't simply endure , we are stronger than before , knowing that America 's greatest days are still to come . And they are great because of you . Cheers . '' The dinner , which the White House called `` A Nation 's Gratitude : Honoring those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn , '' also included remarks from Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey , Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta . `` Thank you for your duty , for your dedication , for your service to this great nation , '' Panetta said . `` Tonight we are truly in the company of heroes . '' The president promised that these types of events would continue . `` This is not the first time we 've paid tribute to those who served courageously in Iraq , '' Obama said . `` This will not be the last . The last U.S. soldiers pulled out of Iraq in December , ending nearly nine years of war that killed 4,500 Americans and left tens of thousands injured .
`` In the history of this house , there has never been a night quite like this , '' Obama says . He pledges to thank and honor the service of wartime veterans . ` The president also announces that he will visit Arlington National Cemetery on Friday for his final presidential trip as commander in chief.'