Current:Home > NewsBiden says each generation has to ‘earn’ freedom, in solemn Memorial Day remarks -Wealth Pursuit Network
Biden says each generation has to ‘earn’ freedom, in solemn Memorial Day remarks
View
Date:2025-04-15 21:02:46
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden marked Memorial Day with a pledge that the country would continue the work of the nation’s fallen toward creating a more perfect union, “for which they lived, and for which they died for.”
Delivering remarks at a solemn remembrance ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Biden said each generation must ensure the sacrifice of the country’s service members is not in vain.
“Freedom has never been guaranteed,” Biden said under gray skies in the memorial amphitheater. “Every generation has to earn it, fight for it, defend it in the battle between autocracy and democracy, between the greed of a few, and the rights of many.”
He added: “On this day, we came together again to reflect, to remember, and above all, to recommit to the future they fought for, a future grounded in freedom, democracy, opportunity and equality. Not just for some, but for all.”
Before the ceremony began, Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
In his remarks, Biden invoked the anniversary this week of the death of his son Beau, who served in Iraq and later died from brain cancer that the president attributes to his time stationed near toxic burn pits, to highlight the importance of honoring the service of those who came home with injuries, in addition to the dead.
“Last year, the VA delivered more benefits and processed more claims than ever in our history,” Biden said, crediting the PACT Act which grants automatic coverage for certain health conditions suffered by veterans by presuming they result from their military service. “For too long after fighting for our nation, these veterans had to fight to get the right health care, to get the benefits they had earned, not anymore.”
Biden began the day hosting a breakfast at the White House for administration officials, military leaders, veterans, and Gold Star family members.
veryGood! (1857)
Related
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Gilgo Beach Murders Case: Authorities Detail Suspect Rex Heuermann's Concerning Internet History
- Zawe Ashton Makes Marvelous Comment About How Fiancé Tom Hiddleston Empowered Her
- Megan Fox Steps Out in Risqué Look for Movie Date With Machine Gun Kelly
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Q&A: What to Do About Pollution From a Vast New Shell Plastics Plant in Pennsylvania
- Barbie Casting Director Reveals the Stars Who Had to Turn Down Ken Roles
- Chicago Mayor Receives Blueprint for ’Green New Deal’ to Address Environmental Justice
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Restock Alert: The Viral SKIMS Soft Lounge Dress Is Back in New Colors and Styles
Ranking
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- Emergency Room Visits and 911 Calls for Heat Illness Spike During Texas Heat Wave
- You Will Say Yes Please to These Cute Pics From Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo's Family Album
- Developer Confirms Funding For Massive Rio Grande Gas Terminal
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- These Shirtless Photos of Jeremy Allen White Will Have You Saying Yes Chef
- Who Is Ethan Slater? Everything You Need to Know About Ariana Grande's New Boyfriend
- Q&A: What to Do About Pollution From a Vast New Shell Plastics Plant in Pennsylvania
Recommendation
South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
Get Cozy With 60% Off Barefoot Dreams Deals: Cardigans, Blankets, Pajamas, Loungewear, and More
Oppenheimer's Cillian Murphy Underwent a Drastic Transformation—& So Did These Movie Stars
Q&A: Heather McTeer Toney Reflects on the Ongoing Struggle for Environmental Justice in America
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
Barbie Director Greta Gerwig Reveals She Privately Welcomed Baby No. 2 With Noah Baumbach
Vanderpump Rules' Scheana Shay Claps Back at Claim She's Forgiven Tom Sandoval for Cheating
Doja Cat Argues With Fans After Dissing Their Kittenz Fandom Name