Biden marks Memorial Day with speech at Arlington National Cemetery
- Memorial Day commemorates service members who have died
- President Joe Biden spoke at observance at Arlington National Cemetery
- Ceremony included Air Force and Coast Guard bands, parade of colors
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(NewsNation) — President Joe Biden delivered a Memorial Day address Monday at the 156th National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery.
Speaking to a crowd inside the cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater, Biden described democracy as the “soul of America” that military service members fight to protect every day.
“It’s how we’ve been able to constantly adapt to the centuries. It’s why we’ve always emerged from every challenge stronger than we went in, and it’s how we come together as one nation, united,” Biden said. “Just as our fallen heroes have kept the ultimate faith with our country and our democracy, we must keep faith with them.”
Vice President Kamala Harris and other government officials attended the commemoration. Earlier in the day, Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The annual event is free and open to the public, and this year’s commemoration included a prelude by the United States Air Force Band’s Singing Sergeants and the U.S. Coast Guard Band.
