Key Takeaways:
– President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day.
– The Department of Veterans Affairs is broadening the cancer types covered under the PACT Act.
– This public appearance marks the first joint event between Biden and Harris post the election loss.
Biden Honors Veterans Day at Arlington Cemetery
In their key public appearance since the electoral defeat, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris attended the Veterans Day ceremony side by side. Respectfully observing the day, they laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located at Arlington National Cemetery.
President’s Speech Highlighting U.S. Military Glory
Addressing the military veterans, Biden expressed gratitude for their services to the nation. He commended their diligence and sacrifice as part of the world’s finest fighting force. He warmly recounted his visits to the U.S. military bases worldwide, including historic military sites such as Valley Forge and Gettysburg in Pennsylvania.
Biden said, “The honor to lead you, serve you, care for you and to defend you is the greatest of my life. Just as you have protected us, generation after generation”.
Announcements for Veteran Health
Stressing on veteran health care, Biden announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs would extend the range of cancers covered under the PACT Act. This expansion is a part of the landmark legislation signed by Biden to enhance the healthcare services extended to veterans stationed at military bases spewing toxic smoke from “burn pits”.
Biden emphasized that over a million veterans and their families have benefited so far through this legislation. He expressed commitment to the country’s “truly sacred obligation” to cater to those who risk their lives for the nation, whether they return home or not.
Remembering the Military Families
Biden dedicated part of his speech to express his profound gratitude towards the military families. “Our hearts go out to the families of those with a loved one missing or unaccounted for, and to all those mourning a loved one who donned the uniform”.
The President, alongside his wife Dr. Jill Biden, hosted veterans and the military community at the White House before the ceremony. Vice President Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, joined them, marking their first public event together since her election defeat.
Veterans Affairs Secretary and First Lady Attend
Joined by Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough, Biden, Harris, and the First Lady approached the tomb to render their honors. As the national anthem echoed, they placed their hands on their hearts, a gesture they repeated when taps were played post the wreath-laying.
Biden and Harris Public Appearance Post-election
This ceremony marked the first public appearance of Biden and Harris together post Harris’s election defeat to former President Trump. Most noteworthy was the display of unity at the heart of the government, despite the recent setbacks. After the ceremony, the President planned on returning to his home in Wilmington, Del. The reasons for this journey remaining undisclosed by the White House.
Conclusively, this Veterans Day observance exemplified the resilience and unity at the heart of the U.S. government: values echoed by millions of servicemen whose dedication and sacrifice were honored in one of the nation’s most revered cemeteries.