In his Memorial Day remarks at the Arlington National Cemetery, President Biden expressed his condolences for the families of those who have died in service to the country.
“We must never forget the sacrifices made to safeguard our democracy. Must never forget the lives these flags, flowers, and marble markers represent. A mother or father, a son or daughter, a sister, a spouse, a friend, an American, said Biden. Monday. “Every year we remember, and it never gets easier.”
Beau Biden, the eldest son of President Joe Biden, died of brain cancer at Walter Reed military hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2015. Beau Biden served as a Delaware Army National Guard major in the Iraq War. The president has repeatedly stated that Beau’s cancer-related death was caused by “burn pits” in Iraq, so he signed the PACT Act to extend health care benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances.
Tomorrow marks the eighth anniversary of his son’s demise, and the president expressed sympathy for Gold Star families.
“To all those here and across the nation who are grieving the loss of a loved one who wore the uniform, our Gold Star families, and to all those with loved ones still missing or unaccounted for: I know how agonizing it can be and how it can reopen old wounds… Open up that black hole in your bosom. You feel like you’re just sinking in,” Biden said. “The pain is still very palpable. It is still unripe.”
“Tomorrow commemorates eight years since our son Beau passed away. Our loss has altered who we are. He did not succumb during the battle. A year after his deployment to Iraq as a major in the United States Army National Guard, he succumbed to cancer. As it is for so many of you, the grief of loss is with us every day, but on Memorial Day it is especially pronounced,” he continued.
“His anniversary is tomorrow, and so is the pride Jill and I feel in his service.” That’s why I can still hear him saying, ‘Dad, it’s my duty, Dad,’ even though I’m not sure he understands. It’s my responsibility.’ Duty. That is the code by which you have lost my son and all others live. It’s a belief shared by millions of service members.”
In his speech, President Barack Obama urged Americans to “reflect, remember, but above all, recommit to the future our fallen heroes fought for.” He stated that those who live now as a result of those who died’s service must continue to struggle for freedom, democracy, equality, and justice.
“This is more important than just our system of government,” Biden added. “It’s the very soul of America, forged by our country’s first patriots.” A soul that survived trials and tribulations less than a century later. A soul that has persisted because to the sacrifice of centuries upon generations of service personnel. We are not only the privileged inheritors of their legacy. We must be the keepers of their mission, the keepers of the torch of liberty that has blazed for nearly 241 years.”
