Biden Pays Tribute to Fallen Soldiers on Memorial Day

President Joe Biden paid tribute to fallen soldiers in the 156th Memorial Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. on Monday.

Biden participated in a solemn ceremony, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

“We come together in this sacred place, at this moment of solemnity, to honor the sacrifice of the countless women and men who have given their lives for our nation,” Biden remarked afterwards at the amphitheater in the cemetery.

Earlier in the day, Biden hosted a Memorial Day breakfast at the White House with administration officials, military leaders, veterans, and Gold Star families, individuals who have lost a loved one in military service.

This Memorial Day event is just one of several occasions where Biden has shown his support for active and retired military members, including delivering a commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY on Saturday.

Next week, the president will travel to Normandy, France to participate in ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, where he plans to speak about the bravery of Allied forces in World War II and the ongoing threats to democracy.

Thursday will mark the ninth anniversary of the passing of Biden’s son Beau Biden, who served in Iraq with the Delaware National Guard. Beau Biden passed away from glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer his father believes may have been linked to exposure to military burn pits in Iraq.

“Nine years ago this week, I lost my son, Beau,” Biden noted. “Our losses are different. He did not fall in battle. He battled cancer. The pain of his absence remains with me every day… as does the pride in his service.”