BIDEN HONOURS VETERANS, COMMITMENT TO USA

In a heartfelt address on Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, outgoing US President Joe Biden paid tribute to the dedication and commitment of veterans to the United States. Biden highlighted the importance of honoring their sacrifices, noting that this would be his last Veterans Day as commander-in-chief.

At the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier followed by a speech at the Memorial Amphitheater, Biden was accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis R. McDonough, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, and Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr.

Inspired by Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address delivered in 1865, Biden called on Americans to "bind up the nation's wounds" and support those who have borne the battle and their families.

Biden emphasized that supporting veterans and their families is not a partisan issue but has been addressed through legislation passed by Congress. He cited efforts such as expanding Veterans Affairs services for exposure to toxic substances, increasing access to healthcare, addressing veteran homelessness, and fostering education and workforce opportunities for veterans and their families.

Specifically, Biden announced under the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act - or PACT Act – that the Department of Veterans Affairs would expand coverage for cancer caused by exposure at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base in Uzbekistan. This move makes it easier for affected veterans to qualify for care, a promise Biden made to address during his presidency.

Biden concluded his speech by underlining the importance of unity and cooperation among Americans, drawing inspiration from veteran camaraderie. "The world is dependent on each of you and all of us to keep honouring the women and men and families who have borne the battle," he said.