‘The hurt is still real’

President Biden on Monday marked Memorial Day by speaking at a packed Arlington National Cemetery, solemnly remembering service members who died in combat.

“We gather in this hallowed place at this solemn moment to remember and honor the sacrifices of the hundreds of thousands of women and men who gave their lives in service to this country,” Biden said. Said“Each is literally a link in a chain of honor that dates back to our founding, bound not to a place, a person or a president, but by a shared commitment to an idea unique in the history of mankind: the United States of America.”

The president also spoke about the death of his son, Beau Biden, who died in 2015 from brain cancer believed to have been caused by exposure to toxic chemicals while serving in the Iraq War.

“I know it’s painful,” Biden told the families of fallen veterans, “The wounds are still real. They’re still raw. This week marks nine years since we lost our son, Beau.”

“The pain of losing my father remains with me every day, just like it does for you,” he said. “It’s still there, sharp and clear. But so is the pride I feel in the military. It’s as if I can still hear him say, ‘Dad, it’s my duty. It’s my duty.'”

Also in attendance at Arlington were First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Harris, Vice President Doug Emhoff, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff C.Q. Brown Jr.

In his speech, the President spoke of his commitment to veterans and touted his track record of enacting laws that benefit military personnel and their families.

“Since taking office, I have signed more than 30 bipartisan bills to support our service members, veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors,” he said. “Last year, the VA paid out more benefits and processed more claims than ever before in our history.”

“I’ve said for a long time that we have many obligations as a nation,” he continued, “and the only truly sacred obligation we have is to prepare the men and women we send out to war and to take care of their families when they come home and when they don’t come home.”

Dozens of congressional leaders posted similar messages on social media on Monday, marking the 156th anniversary, offering condolences and gratitude.

Biden’s comments are a stark contrast to those of Trump’s presidential rival. Authentic Social Posts Trump with graphic commemorating war dead He strongly criticized He slammed Biden and the judges presiding over his case and called those who don’t support him “human scum.”