In his final Veterans Day speech as president, Joe Biden urged Americans to unite for the nation’s future, just days after the election of President-elect Trump. Speaking at Arlington National Cemetery, Biden emphasized the importance of maintaining faith in one another and honoring the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.
“Now is the time to come together as a nation, to support one another,” he said. “The world is counting on us — on you — to continue protecting everything these brave men and women fought for.” Biden also called for ongoing efforts to heal the nation’s divisions and to improve the union. He highlighted the need for continuous progress and dedication to strengthening the country.
Vice President Harris joins Biden in a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery
The president and Vice President Kamala Harris participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, marking their first public appearance together since the election. During this ceremony, which took place at Arlington, Biden noted that Trump had secured victories in all seven battleground states and was poised to win the popular vote.
Reflecting on his presidency, Biden expressed pride in the administration’s accomplishments, including a drop in veterans’ homelessness rates and the passage of the PACT Act in 2022, which expanded benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service.
“This will be my final visit to Arlington as commander in chief,” Biden shared. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve, to protect, and to care for those who have defended our nation across generations.”
Before delivering his speech, Biden, Harris, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough participated in a solemn ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The three leaders then proceeded to the amphitheater for the speeches, with Jill Biden and Doug Emhoff joining them shortly thereafter.
Following Trump’s election, Biden spoke publicly last week, while Harris formally conceded the election in a Wednesday address in Washington. This was Harris’s second public appearance since the loss.
