President Joe Biden urged unity on Sunday as he spoke ahead of Memorial Day, lamenting the lives lost over a multitude of United States conflicts.
“We’re not Democrats or Republicans today, we’re Americans,” Biden said to a crowd in New Castle, Delaware.
The president likened the U.S. military to the “spine” of the country, adding that government leaders have an obligation to “equip” soldiers and “care” for them upon their return from the battlefield.
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“Our military community is the solid spine of this country,” he said. “It’s literally the spine of the nation. Now, on my first Memorial Day as commander in chief, I want to reaffirm my long-standing belief: We may have many obligations as a nation, but we only have one truly sacred obligation, and that’s to equip those we send into harm’s way with all they need, care for them and their families when they return home and when they don’t.”
Biden also lamented the loss of his son, Beau Biden, who succumbed to a brain tumor in May 2015 after serving in the war on terror as a member of the Delaware National Guard.
“As many of you know, this is a hard day for us,” he said. “Six years ago today, Hunter lost his dad, and I lost my son.”
“If he were here, he would be here as well, paying his respects to all those — all those who gave so much for our country and particularly honoring the Gold Star families.”
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The president added that the nation “must always remember” the sacrifices of fallen service members.
“Because as a nation, we must always remember,” he said. “Always remember. We must remember the prices that were paid for our liberties. We must remember the debt we owe those who have paid it.”
