On Monday, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris marked Veterans Day with their first public appearance together since Harris’s recent election loss. They participated in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located at Arlington National Cemetery.
During what would be his last address at the cemetery as the commander in chief, Biden expressed deep gratitude for the dedication and sacrifices made by America’s military veterans, particularly honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as their families. “It’s been the greatest honor of my life, to lead you, to serve you, to care for you, to defend you, just as you defended us, generation after generation after generation,” he said. He emphasized the exceptional nature of the U.S. military, declaring it “the finest fighting force in the history of the world.”
Reflecting on his experiences, Biden shared memories of visiting American military bases worldwide and significant historical sites such as Valley Forge and Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. He also took the opportunity to announce enhancements to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ health care services under the PACT Act, which he had previously signed. This legislation aims to broaden the range of cancers covered for veterans exposed to toxic smoke emanating from “burn pits,” helping over 1 million veterans and their families thus far.
Biden emphasized the country’s “truly sacred obligation” to prepare its troops for deployment and to care for them upon their return, or in the event that they do not return. He acknowledged military families, especially those with loved ones who are missing or unaccounted for, as well as those mourning the loss of service members. “Jill and I want you to know we see you, we thank you, and we’ll never stop working to meet our sacred obligation to you and your family,” he stated. Among those he honors is his late son, Beau, who served in the Delaware Army National Guard and passed away from brain cancer in 2015 at age 46.
Biden and Harris, joined by Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough, approached the tomb with respectful demeanor, placing their hands over their hearts as the national anthem was performed before the wreath-laying ceremony, and again during the playing of “Taps” following the event. Earlier, the president and First Lady Jill Biden had welcomed veterans and members of the military community to the White House before heading to Arlington.
This event marked the first time Biden and Harris were seen together publicly after the vice president’s election loss to former President Donald Trump. After honoring the nation’s veterans, Biden was scheduled to travel back to Wilmington, Delaware, for reasons yet to be disclosed by the White House.