JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS — On Friday, May 28, President and Dr. Biden visited Joint Base Langley-Eustis to thank service members and their families for their sacrifices ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
The President and First Lady were joined by Representatives Elaine Luria and Bobby Scott, as well as Governor Northam.
Colonel Clinton A. Ross, commander of 633d Air Base Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, was the first to take to the podium, reflecting on first meeting Dr. Biden while he was serving at the White House.
Dr. Biden followed, speaking on her passion for helping military families and her admiration for their service.
Then, she introduced Brittney Bene, a teacher for the City of Poquoson, who is also a military veteran and spouse. Ms. Bene also spoke of her own military service, the transition from service member to spouse, having served seven deployments between her and her husband, and the sacrifices that her family makes.
After Ms. Bene, President Biden stoically came to the podium. The president emotionally reflected upon his son, Beau’s, service in the military.
“I shouldn’t be talking so much about my son, but I’m not going to apologize for it,” President Biden said.
Biden then went on to talk about the sacrifices of military families and reflect upon the war. He showed his daily schedule, which he keeps in his jacket pocket. On the back, it reflects the most up-to-date number of service members that have killed during the war.
“Every one of these lives lost is a tragedy. An empty seat at the dinner table, a missing voice at the holidays. Every one of them left behind a whole community,” said President Biden. “We can never repay that debt.”
Afterward thanking the troops, President and Dr. Biden took the time to meet with every member of the military and the families that were in attendance.
The event was a moving tribute to military service members and their families.
To watch the address in its entirety, click below:
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