President Biden arrives at Veterans Memorial Park near the Delaware Memorial Bridge (May 30, 2021).
U.S. President Joe Biden paid tribute to fallen soldiers Sunday on the eve of Memorial Day, his first as commander-in-chief of the nation’s military.
Speaking at the War Memorial Plaza near the Delaware Memorial Bridge, Biden said, “We must remember the price that was paid for our freedom. We must remember what we owe to those who paid the price and to their families. My heart is torn in two with grief.”
Biden’s remarks came on the sixth anniversary of the death of his son, Beau. Bo served as a major in the Delaware Army National Guard and had served in Iraq. He died of cancer in 2015.
Biden said, “I know how painful the loss is. I know the black hole it leaves in your chest; the feeling that you could get sucked in and not get out.”
Biden said, “If (Beau) were here, he would be here, paying tribute to all the people who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
Biden said, “I assure you there will come a day when you mention the name of your son or daughter, your husband, your wife, and they don’t actually bring tears to your eyes, they bring a smile to your face. I hope that day comes soon.”
He said, “You know, folks, despite all the pain, I know you’re proud of the people you love, of the loved ones you’ve lost, and of the brave people who are still serving our great American experiment.”
Biden said, “The American creed is the connective tissue that binds us together. It is a long chain of patriots who have gone before us and those who will follow us in turn. This creed has an ideal that inspires people to serve, an ideal that fills us with pride when we see our beloved men and women in uniform.”
He said, “As a nation united and preserved through their sacrifice, our march together toward this creed is the best and strongest tribute to their lives.”
He concluded, “So I hope – I hope the nation unites, that we are not Democrats or Republicans today. We are Americans. We are Americans who gave our lives.”
The United States has observed Memorial Day at the end of May to honor battlefield martyrs since the end of the Civil War in 1868. This national holiday now falls on the last Monday of May each year.
Outside of Washington, D.C., flags are placed next to headstones at Arlington National Cemetery and many other national cemeteries across the country in honor of the holiday, where many who served in the U.S. military are buried.
The holiday also marks the unofficial start of summer, traditionally a busy tourist season in the United States.
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