WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden marked Memorial Day with the promise that the country would continue the work of the nation’s fallen to create a more perfect union, “for which they lived and for which they died.”
Delivering remarks at a solemn remembrance ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Biden said each generation must ensure that the sacrifice of the nation’s military personnel is not in vain.
“Freedom has never been guaranteed,” Biden said under gray skies at the memorial amphitheater. “Each generation has to conquer it, fight for it, defend it in the battle between autocracy and democracy, between the greed of a few and the rights of the many.”
And he added: “On this day, we gather again to reflect, to remember and, above all, to reaffirm our commitment to the future they fought for, a future based on freedom, democracy, opportunities and equality. Not just for some, but for everyone.”
Before the ceremony began, Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
In his remarks, Biden invoked this week’s anniversary of the death of his son Beau, who served in Iraq and later died of brain cancer, which the president attributes to time spent near toxic burning pits, to highlight the importance of honor the service of those who returned home injured, in addition to the dead.
“Last year, the VA granted more benefits and processed more claims than ever before in our history,” Biden said, crediting the PACT Act, which grants automatic coverage for certain health conditions suffered by veterans, assuming they result from military service. Long after they fought for our nation, these veterans have had to fight to get adequate health care, to get the benefits they once deserved, and no longer do.”
Biden began the day by hosting a White House breakfast for administration officials, military leaders, veterans and Gold Star families.
