Biden and Harris Honor Veterans at Arlington Ceremony

Biden and Harris Honor Veterans at Arlington Ceremony \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made their first joint public appearance since Harris’s election loss, observing Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery. Biden laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and later delivered a heartfelt speech honoring U.S. veterans and their families. He also announced expanded cancer coverage under the PACT Act for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, reflecting his commitment to veteran care as he marks his final Veterans Day as commander in chief.

Biden and Harris Veterans Day Observance Quick Looks

• President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris jointly observed Veterans Day, marking their first public appearance together since Harris’s election loss.
• The ceremony began with a solemn wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, accompanied by Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough.
• In the amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, Biden delivered an emotional address, calling military service “the greatest honor of my life.”
• Biden honored U.S. military veterans, recognizing sacrifices made by service members and the enduring dedication of military families.
• He announced an expansion of cancer coverage under the PACT Act, increasing healthcare access for veterans exposed to toxic smoke at military bases.
• Biden spoke of his own son, Beau, who served in the Delaware Army National Guard and passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
• With hands over their hearts, Biden and Harris stood solemnly as “Taps” played, paying respect to fallen service members.
• Before heading to Arlington, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted veterans and military families at the White House, joined by Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff.
• Following the observance, Harris and Emhoff visited a gravesite at Arlington, though the White House did not disclose who is interred there.

Deep Look

On Monday, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris marked Veterans Day with a commemorative ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring America’s military heroes and their families. This occasion held particular significance, as it was Biden’s final Veterans Day observance as commander in chief. The day began with a solemn wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a ritual that included members of the armed services and Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough. The ceremony served as the first public appearance for Biden and Harris together since her recent election loss to former President Donald Trump.

During the Arlington service, Biden and Harris stood with solemn expressions, placing their hands over their hearts as the national anthem played. They later bowed their heads as “Taps” echoed across the cemetery grounds, honoring those who gave their lives in service. Biden’s tribute continued in Arlington’s ceremonial amphitheater, where he spoke to veterans, their families, and dignitaries about the profound sacrifices made by those who serve in the U.S. military.

“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,” Biden remarked, adding that America’s armed forces remain “the finest fighting force in the history of the world.” His words carried a deep sense of farewell as he reflected on his tenure and dedication to the military.

Biden also took the opportunity to highlight his administration’s ongoing commitment to veteran healthcare, announcing an expansion of cancer coverage under the PACT Act. The legislation, which Biden signed into law last year, aims to address health needs for veterans exposed to toxic substances during service, particularly through burn pits that emitted hazardous smoke. Under the new expansion, the Department of Veterans Affairs will broaden the list of cancers covered, offering critical support to thousands of veterans and their families impacted by toxic exposure. Since the law’s enactment, Biden noted, the PACT Act has already aided over a million veterans and their families, providing essential healthcare services and support.

Biden’s address resonated with personal experience as well. He shared his reflections on visits to military installations around the world, as well as historic American battle sites like Valley Forge and Gettysburg. Additionally, Biden honored the service of his son, Beau, who served in the Delaware Army National Guard, deployed to Iraq in 2008, and later died of brain cancer, likely related to his military service and toxic exposure. Beau’s legacy has influenced Biden’s passionate advocacy for veteran healthcare, particularly for those suffering from service-related illnesses.

In a poignant moment, Biden reaffirmed what he called America’s “sacred obligation” to its military. “Our truly sacred obligation,” he said, “is to prepare those we send into harm’s way and care for them when they come home, or don’t.” He extended his gratitude to military families who shoulder the burden of separation and worry, as well as those grieving loved ones who sacrificed their lives in uniform. “To all the military families, to all those with a loved one still missing or unaccounted for, to all Americans grieving the loss of a loved one who wore the uniform, 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,” Biden continued.

Before the Arlington ceremony, the president and First Lady Jill Biden hosted veterans, service members, and their families at the White House, where they acknowledged the profound sacrifices made by the military community. Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, joined them in paying tribute before the group departed for Arlington. This White House gathering underscored the administration’s dedication to veterans, with Biden reiterating his commitment to veterans’ rights, healthcare access, and family support.

Following the ceremony at Arlington, Harris and Emhoff took a moment to visit a gravesite within the cemetery, though the White House did not provide specifics on whose resting place they visited. The quiet gesture added a personal element to the day’s proceedings, reflecting the administration’s ongoing respect for those who have served. Biden and the First Lady later departed for his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, with plans to return to Washington that evening.

This Veterans Day marks a significant chapter in Biden’s presidency, symbolizing his lasting commitment to honoring U.S. military service members and his efforts to improve veteran healthcare access. The administration has focused on comprehensive support for those who have served, particularly through legislative initiatives like the PACT Act, aimed at addressing health challenges tied to toxic exposure.

As the president’s term approaches its end, this Veterans Day observance at Arlington underscores Biden’s legacy as a commander in chief committed to veterans and their families. On Wednesday, he is set to host President-elect Donald Trump at the White House, an event signaling a shift in the country’s leadership as it embarks on a new chapter. This poignant Veterans Day tribute leaves a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by America’s service members and the nation’s enduring responsibility to honor and support those who have served.

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