President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made their first joint appearance since Harris's electoral defeat as they commemorated Veterans Day together by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
Biden honored the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans, highlighting the ultimate price paid by many of them and their families. During his speech at the cemetery's memorial amphitheater, in his role as commander-in-chief of the U.S. Army, he expressed: "It has been the greatest honor of my life to lead them, serve them, care for them, and defend them, just as you defended us, generation after generation."
Both Biden and Harris placed their hands over their hearts during the playing of the national anthem and again upon the sound of “Taps” after the wreath was laid. Earlier, the president and First Lady Jill Biden welcomed veterans and members of the military community at the White House before heading to Arlington National Cemetery with Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff.
This was the first time Biden and Harris appeared together in public since the vice president lost the election last week to former President Donald Trump. After the ceremony, the couple visited a grave in the cemetery.
During the event, Biden emphasized the importance of preparing and caring for soldiers sent into combat, as well as honoring those who return, whether alive or dead. He announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding the types of cancers covered under the PACT Act, legislation to expand healthcare services for veterans who served at military bases affected by toxic smoke.
The president also remembered his son Beau, who served in the Delaware Army National Guard and was deployed to Iraq in 2008, passing away from brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46. The president expressed his commitment to the families of missing or deceased soldiers, assuring that they will never cease working to fulfill their sacred obligation.
Biden, Harris, and other officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, participated in the Veterans Day commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery, in a solemn and emotional ceremony honoring those who have served the United States.
