Biden marks Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery

President BidenJoe Biden Publicist ‘not associated’ with Kanye West at time of election incident: Trump spokesperson teases 2024 at Orlando event with O’Reilly Facebook executive says ‘people’, not platform, are to blame for the vaccine misinformation PLUS paid tribute to the nation’s veterans on Thursday, praising them as America’s “backbone” in a speech at the Arlington National Ceremony to mark Veterans Day.

“Each of our veterans is a link in a proud chain of patriots who have defended our country from Bunker Hill to Belleau Wood, from Gettysburg to Iwo Jima, from Chosin Reservoir to the Kunar Valley,” Biden said in a statement. speech at the National Veterans Day Celebration at the cemetery just outside Washington.

“Everyone has understood the price of freedom and everyone has taken on this burden on our behalf. Veterans represent the best of America. You are the very backbone of America, not just the backbone, you are the backbone of this country and all of us – all of us – owe you, ”he said.

Biden’s remarks were personal as he reflected on the recent loss of the former secretary of state Colin PowellColin Powell Defense and National Security – Biden Marks Veterans Day Biden Marks Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery Overnight Defense and National Security – Washington gathers for Colin Powell’s funeral MORE, General Ray Odierno and former Georgia Senator Max Cleland (R), all of whom were veterans. He also invoked his late son, Beau Biden, who served in the Delaware Army National Guard.

As he often does to mark lives lost due to war or the coronavirus pandemic, Biden pulled his schedule out of his jacket pocket and read that 53,323 servicemen were injured in conflicts in Iraq. and in Afghanistan and 7,074 died.

“These are the costs of war that we will bear as a nation for decades to come,” he said.

Biden said his administration is committed to working with Congress to ensure veterans receive the “world-class benefits” they deserve, from care for exposure to burns and Agent Orange. mental health support.

Earlier Thursday, the White House released a plan to help military personnel exposed to contaminants and environmental risks on the battlefield, as part of an effort to mark the holiday. Earlier this month, the White House announced a new plan to prevent gun suicides with a focus on the military and veterans.

Thursday was the first time Biden marked Veterans Day as president. The White House’s public schedule was light due to the Federal Holiday, with a handful of morning events to honor those who have served the nation.

Biden welcomed veterans and military personnel to the White House Thursday morning, before attending the wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to mark the centenary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

During the grim ceremony, Biden walked up to the grave, bowed his head to the crown, made the sign of the cross, and stepped back to stand with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Denis mcdonoughDenis Richard McDonoughOvernight Defense & National Security – Austin demands vaccine for guards The Hill’s 12:30 p.m. report: Biden favors vaccines, masks over blockages as omicron draws closer Biden signs four bills to help veterans PLUS. Biden bowed and McDonough placed his hand over his heart as the military marching band played tap dancing. They then lowered their heads in silence for about a minute.

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The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier opened for two days, Tuesday and Wednesday, for the first time in 96 years, for the public to walk around and lay flowers. During Thursday’s ceremony, the tomb was surrounded by flowers.

The grave is a symbolic grave for unidentified and unidentified American soldiers and was first used in 1921 after Congress approved the burial of an unidentified serviceman from World War I.

Vice President Harris, who is abroad in Paris, laid a wreath at the Suresnes American Cemetery on Wednesday and participated in an armistice day ceremony on Thursday.