As the event has grown in profile and participants, so have the expenses.
The White House had come under intense criticism Monday for disrespecting McCain, who fought with the president on a host of issues.
Federal buildings flew flags at half staff for two days to honor the memory of the former senator and Navy veteran.
Robert Wilkie's public comments Tuesday were the first since he was sworn into office late last month.
The eight-point mantra is designed to encourage veterans to continue serving their communities even after leaving the military.
The department, already dealing with years of negative attention, is now embroiled in a leadership scandal that again threatens its reputation.
The event underscores a growing rift between some of the country's most prominent veterans advocates and the White House.
The term will command much of the debate at the new VA secretary's confirmation hearing, but different groups have different definitions.
Robert Wilkie, who took over the post last week, called for VA workers to work together "across all office barriers and across all compartments."
Officials from AMVETS say the president must follow the law and put the current VA deputy secretary in charge.
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