Oval Office

VIDEO: Obama thanks Americans who stopped train attack

Obama says the teamwork, courage and quick-thinking actions of the three averted "a real calamity."

The president says the three friends represent "the very best of America."

Alek Skarlatos, Spencer Stone and Anthony Sadler have been widely lauded for their actions to stop the attack.

They've already made appearances on late-night talk shows, been in a parade and earned France's highest honor from President Francois Hollande.

Obama meets Detroit woman believed to be oldest veteran

Emma Didlake's service is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in World War II or supported those who did, Obama said.

Didlake was a 38-year-old wife and mother of five when she signed up for the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in 1943. She held the rank of private and served stateside for about seven months as a driver.