U.S. President Joe Biden marked his first Memorial Day weekend in office as commander in chief. Speaking on the last Monday of this month, Biden honoured the nation’s sacrifices in a deeply personal manner: Not only did he pay tribute to those who lost their lives while serving in the United States armed forces, but he also spent time remembering his late son Beau, a veteran who died six years ago to the day.
U.S. President Joe Biden made his annual appearance at the commemoration in New Castle, a day before he is slated to do the same at Arlington National Cemetery on the official observance to remember those who died while serving in the U.S. Army.
Biden:
Me and my family have tried to participate in this event every year, because it’s an important tradition in the Delaware community. Even last year in those early dark days of the pandemic, Jill and I didn’t want to let Memorial Day pass, like every other day and there was no event here. We came to lay a wreath at the plaza. It was the first time we did any sort of event since the lockdown had begun in March, because we were determined, determined to honour the fallen, to pay tribute to the women and men who braved every danger, who made many sacrifices to the country.
The Memorial Day weekend took on added poignancy this year as the President spoke frequently and emotionally of his own loss, his son Beau, who died of brain cancer on the same day six years ago. He also mentioned the sorrow he felt over his son’s death was so hard to bear.
Biden:
We’re honoured, but it’s a tough day. It brings back everything, and so I can’t thank you enough for your continued service to the country, and your sons, your daughters, they live on in your hearts, and in their children as well. And we have to carry on without them, but I know how hard it is for you. Beau didn’t die in the line of duty, but he was serving the Delaware National Guard Union in Iraq for a year. That was one of the proudest things he did in his life. So thank you for allowing us to grieve together today. I know how much the loss hurts. I know the black holes that leaves in the middle of your chest, it feels like you may get sucked into it and not come out. Greetings like this in gatherings help, and while I know nothing I can say to ease the pain, I just know that each year, it gets a little bit, a little bit easier. And I promise you the day will come when the mention of the name of your son or daughter, husband, wife, they will in fact bring it, not a tear to your eye, but a smile to your lips.
Voiceover:
Hours before the ceremony, Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and other family members attended a memorial Mass for Beau Biden at their local church. The Bidens walked to Beau’s grave, and left flowers amid several American flags placed on the lawn. The Bidens then greeted well-wishers outside the church. They were all smiles and were able to receive warm hugs and handshakes at their home parish.
He pivoted to things related to Memorial Day and avoided the particulars of international affairs yesterday, but he did pledge to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin on human rights during their summit in Geneva next month. He also said the U.S. is ready to lead the world again after four years under Donald Trump’s control, and that China and the U.S. should even out the playing field.
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