Remarks by President Biden at an Annual Memorial Day Service
MAY 30, 2021 •
New Castle, Delaware
10:53 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Good morning, everyone. It’s good to be here on this solemn occasion with so many friends — Governor Carney, Senator Carper, Attorney Keneral- [sic] — General Kathy Jennings. General Berry, it’s good to see you. And thank you for everything you do for the Delaware National Guard.
By the way, I saw General Vavala this morning. He’s become not only a general, but a great friend. A great friend. He was at Beau’s memorial mass this morning. Thank you for being there, General. I appreciate it. (Applause.)
And, by the way, Hunter has had one shot — (laughter) — not two, and he’s just making sure everybody is okay.
Me and my family, we’ve tried to participate in this event every year because it’s an important tradition in the Delaware community. Even last year, in those early dark days of the pandemic, Jill and I didn’t want to let Memorial Day pass like every other day. And there was no event here, but we came to lay a wreath at the plaza. It was the first time we did any sort of event since the lockdown had begun in March because we were determined — determined — to honor the fallen, to pay tribute to the women and men who braved every danger, who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Because as a nation, we must always remember — always remember. We must remember the price that was paid for our liberties. We must remember the debt we owe those who have paid it, and the families left behind. My heart is torn in half by the grief. The communities were never whole again.
Folks, it’s also an important tradition in our family. As many of you know, this is a hard day for us. Six years ago today, Hunter lost his dad and I lost my son. It’s — the first year after his passing back in 2016, General Vavala did a great honor in inviting us to a ceremony renaming the Delaware National Guard headquarters in Beau’s honor.
By the way, I’d note that when Beau made the grade of major in — in Iraq, I said — I had been in and out of Iraq over 25 times. I said, “Beau, you’re now a field-grade officer.” He said, “Dad, I have no illusion who runs the United States Army. It’s the master sergeants.” (Laughter.) “They run the army.”
Well, I woke up that morning hearing Beau in my ear saying, “Not me, Dad. Today is not about me. It’s Memorial Day. You should be over at the bridge.”
And, you know, if he were here, he would be here as well, paying his respects to all those — all those who gave so much for our country, and particularly honoring the Gold Star families.
You know, a lot of time passes, but you all know better than I do — or as well as I do — that the moment that we celebrate it is the toughest day of the year. We’re honored, but it’s a tough day. It brings back everything.
And so I can’t thank you enough for your continued service to the country. And your — your sons, your daughters, they live on in your hearts and in their children as well. And we have to carry on without them. But I know how hard it is for you.
Beau didn’t die in the line of duty, but he was serving a Delaware National Guard unit in Iraq for a year. That was one of the proudest things he did in his life.
So, thank you for allowing us to grieve together today. I know how much the loss hurts. I know the black hole that it leaves in the middle of your chest, that feels like you may get sucked into it and not come out.
Greetings like this and gatherings help. And while I know nothing I can say to ease the pain, I just know that each year it gets a little bit — a little bit easier.
And I promise you the day will come when the mention of the name of your son or daughter, husband, wife — they will, in fact, bring not a tear to your eye, but a smile to your lips.
Folks — and I hope that day comes sooner than later.
Folks, you know, despite all the pain, I know the pride you feel in the loved one and — that you lost and those who are still serving, the pride and the bravery in the service to our great American experiment.
Our military community is the solid spine of this country. It’s literally the spine of the nation.
And on my first Memorial Day as Commander-in-Chief, I want to reaffirm my longstanding belief: We may have many obligations as a nation, but we only have one truly sacred obligation, and that’s to equip those we send into harm’s way with all they need, and care for them and their families when they re-ho- — when they return home, and when they don’t.
And all of us who remain have a duty to renew our commitment to the fundamental values to our nation in their honor — the values that have inspired generation after generation to service and that so many have died to defend.
Every day since I was Vice President, I’ve carried with me a card with the exact number of troops killed in our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq — not an approximation or a rounded number; an accounting of every life laid down for our country over the 20 years of war.
Today, it’s 7,036 military members — fallen angels — have given the “last full measure of devotion,” as Lincoln termed it, in those modern conflicts.
And we will never forget. They’re the guardians and we’re the guardians. They’re the guardians of us, and we’re the guardians of their legacy, inheritors of their mission, and the living testament to their sacrifice that is not going to be in vain. Because every American democracy endures. We have been tested, and we still will be surely tested further. But I know that we as a people are up to the task.
Each generation of Americans receives the precious gift of liberty. And we work to share it with more people; to make our country more open, more free, more fair; to bring us closer — closer to making our American creed a reality for all Americans: that all women and men are created equal; that all women and men equally deserve to be treated with dignity; that all men and women deserve equal rights, equal protection to build up futures for their families, and hope and opportunity.
The American creed is the connective tissue that binds us. It’s a long chain of patriots that come before us and those who will follow us in turn. That creed holds that the ideals that inspire people to service and that us — fill us with pride when we see our loved ones put on that uniform. And our progress toward that creed together, as one nation united and preserved through their sacrifices, is the best and strongest memorial to their lives.
Ladies and gentlemen, America is unique. It’s an idea. Unlike any other country in the world, it is formed based on an idea. Almost every other country is based on a creed, a religion, a geography, an ethnicity, but not us.
We’re based on an idea: that we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men and women are created equal. We’re unique in the world.
I had a long conversation — for two hours — recently with President Xi, making it clear to him that we could do nothing but speak out for human rights around the world because that’s who we are.
I’ll be meeting with President Putin in a couple of weeks in Geneva, making it clear that we will not — we will not stand by and let him abuse those rights.
Folks, we’re unique in all of history. We really are. But those names that’s on that wall, and every other wall and tombstone in America of veterans, is the reason why we’re able to stand here. We can’t kid ourselves about that.
And so I hope — I hope that the nation comes together. We’re not Democrats or Republicans today. We’re Americans. We’re Americans — (applause) — who have given their lives. And it’s time we remind everybody who we are.
Thank you all for being here. May God bless you all, particularly the Gold Star families and survivors. And may God protect our troops, because they’re still out there. Thank you. (Applause.)
11:03 A.M. EDT
Statement by President Joe Biden on Texas Senate Bill 7
MAY 29, 2021
Today, Texas legislators put forth a bill that joins Georgia and Florida in advancing a state law that attacks the sacred right to vote. It’s part of an assault on democracy that we’ve seen far too often this year—and often disproportionately targeting Black and Brown Americans.
It’s wrong and un-American. In the 21st century, we should be making it easier, not harder, for every eligible voter to vote.
I call again on Congress to pass the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. And I continue to call on all Americans, of every party and persuasion, to stand up for our democracy and protect the right to vote and the integrity of our elections.
Remarks by President Biden Addressing Service Members and their Families
MAY 28, 2021
Joint Base Langley-Eustis
Hampton, Virginia
2:06 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: I’ll let you guys get comfortable. (Laughs.)
Colonel Ross — Clint, it’s wonderful to see you again. Thank you. When our path last crossed, as Jill said, you were serving in the White House. And I never thought we’d be standing here today doing what we’re doing today.
And, Chief Master Sergeant Peterson, thank you, and to all members of your team who helped put this visit together today. It — it means a lot to Jill and me.
When I was Vice President and — as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, we tried to visit almost every major military base in the country, and as Vice President, around the world. And you are — simply stated, you are the backbone of the country. You’re the backbone of the country.
And although our son Beau was the Attorney General of the state of Delaware and had spent nine months in Kosovo trying to — as assistant U.S. attorney — trying to set up their criminal justice system. And I might say, I’ve — I can do this with the military; I’m going to brag about him a little bit — he’s the only foreigner to have a war memorial erected to him in Kosovo, just below Fort [Camp] Bondsteel and a highway — the first highway they built — named after him: the Joseph R. “Beau” Biden Memorial Highway. And he was a — he was proud as hell — as hell of his work.
But then he decided that — I kept on — he had contracted a — exposure to a virus in — when he was in Kosovo and in Turkey as a civilian. And he came back with a problem.
But he kept going to Walter Reed. I couldn’t understand why he was — they finally found — it’s called ankylosing spondylitis. They finally found a cure. It prevented him from having what they call “bamboo spine.” But he kept going back. I couldn’t understand why. I thought I knew why, but, Gov, he went back because he was trying to get an exemption to be able to join the United States Army. He was a sitting attorney general, and as all my colleagues — the Governor and Bobby Scott and Congresswoman — they all know is that when you do that — he joined the National Guard. And his unit deployed, and he wanted to deploy to Iraq with them.
So he literally had to give up his seat. Temporarily, he could not have any business done — as you National Guard folks know, you can’t do any business with a state if in fact — you’re now federal property.
And so, he gave up the seat and had the courage to appoint a fellow who had been a Republican attorney general as attorney general while he — while he went. The proudest thing he ever did — proudest thing he ever did.
And he — he spent a year in Iraq. And it was — it was one of the great honors of his life to do it. Won the Bronze Star, the Conspicuous Service Medal, and other awards — like many of you have — but he never, ever talked about it.
I remember we had an event at the White House — I shouldn’t be talking so much about my son, but I’m not going to apologize for it.
We had an event for Iraqi veterans at the White House and the President, without telling me and Jill, invited Beau to be there with another 75 soldiers and sailors and airmen. But he wouldn’t wear any of his decorations. And General Odierno called him — he served under him — and said, “Put them on now.” Swear to God. Walking out of the VP Residence, he wouldn’t put them on until then. That’s the first time I ever saw the Bronze Star on him.
But I’m just telling you that is — he’s like a lot of you. You do your duty. You don’t expect anything for it except be a little — have — get a little respect. It deserves so much more. You deserve so much more.
And, you know, I’m honored to be joined today by Governor Northam and by two great representatives of the Commonwealth: Congresswoman Luria and Congressman Scott. And I want to thank — thank you for all that you do to represent these service veterans, because they’re devoted to you; for the family members, the caregivers, survivors who call Virginia home.
I’m especially honored to share the stage with Brittney, and Jerdan, and Nathan, and Margrit Katherine. I love those barrettes in your hair, man. I tell you what — and look at her; she looks like she’s 19 years old, sitting there with her — like a little lady with her legs crossed. (Laughter.)
Brittney, you’re doing triple duty: as a veteran, a military spouse, and a teacher. And, kids, thank you for being there for your mom.
I can remember all those times — and all of you remember, the spouses — when your husband or wife are deployed. Every morning, you wake up, you say that little extra prayer while you’re drinking your coffee. You just spend a little more time wondering.
And, you know, you only — you make up 1 percent of the population. You’re defending 99 percent of the rest of us. And we owe you. But you do your job so gracefully. You hardly ever say anything about what you’re doing.
But it matters. It matters to your families — for that time we’re sitting across from an empty chair at the kitchen table and the dining room table; for those birthdays or Christmases or holidays when they’re gone.
You know, there’s a famous English poet who said, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” “Also serve who only stand and wait.”
I know Major Beene — having been deployed to Afghanistan during the pandemic has only made everything much harder during the pandemic. I want to thank you so much — your entire family’s service to our country. You’re all incredible. You so underestimate how important you are.
And there’s nothing that Jill and I enjoy more than spending time with our troops here and abroad — if you’re stationed here United States or deployed around the world.
I’ve been in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan over 20 — I think it’s 25 times. And I’ve seen — I wish everyone could see what you do when you’re there. I wish they could see every day how you saddle up, how you jump in that cockpit. Just see — no, you’re just — just doing your job.
Not to mention all of the troops I’ve had the chance to visit in the Middle East and Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. We’ve traveled all over. Jill has traveled all over with me and her own visits to servicemembers in Iraq. I think she’s the only Second Lady ever to go into the middle of a warzone, because she wanted to be there and see you.
I always want you to know — always — that the issues you and your family are facing, we need to know how we can support you better. I mean it sincerely from the bottom of my heart: support you better.
There’s reason for that. I said, we Bidens are proud to have family in the military. And our son Beau’s service was — was among the achievements, as I said, he was most proud of.
My heart swelled to see him in uniform.
When I went into Iraq — I was there for five times — when he was in Baghdad. (Laughs.) And I remember, the first time I saw him, his name was “Hunter.” I said, “What in the hell happened?” He said, “Dad, I didn’t want anybody to do me any special favors because my Vice President is my dad.” He got permission to put a different nametag on.
I also remember what it was like to listen to him talk about the needs that people had when he got back home. About all the folks he served with who came back with post-traumatic stress, and he was back being attorney general, having to deal with that.
But here’s the point: You do so much and you ask for so little. You know, our experience is a fraction of what so many of you and your families have gone through — a family like Brittney and her kids. You’re the absolute best America has to offer: our heart, our honor, your solid steel spine.
So my message to all of you is quite simply: Thank you. Thank you. Not “thank you for your service” — just thank you for who you are, because it’s contagious. Thank you for choosing a selfless service to your country.
I know we have mostly soldiers and airmen in attendance today, but there can be a lot of friendly rivalries on a base. Each branch has its own proud, cherished traditions and culture. I know how proud Langley is of their premier 5th-generation F-22 Raptor Wing. Oh, God, I’d love to go up in one of those.
I asked, “I’m your Commander-in-Chief. Why the hell can’t I command you let me go up in one?” But, you know, they won’t let me do that.
And Fort Eustis hosts one of Army’s busiest airfields, which is led by the Air Force, primarily used by the Navy. (Laughs.) It’s all about as joint as it can possibly get.
Every day, the more than 20,000 members of the Air Force and Army, along with civilian personnel, come to work with a shared mission. No matter which branch of our armed forces you proudly represent, you’re part of the greatest fighting force in the history of the world. That’s not hyperbole. The greatest fighting force in the history of the world.
You’re integral to the most powerful nation in the world. There’s been no Army, Navy, or Air Force ever like you — or Marines.
Here at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, you enable the success of our mission around the world. You provide intelligence support and airpower. You ensure our soldiers and airmen are ready, trained to deploy the COCOMs around the world — including, this year, adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols and quarantines before to ship out in order to minimize the spread of the virus.
I know that many of you deployed yourselves, probably more than once. Over the past 20 years, our volunteer force and our military families have made incredible sacrifices for this country.
Early in my term as Vice President, when I traveled overseas, I’d sometimes meet service men and women who were deployed their fourth, fifth, sixth times. I remember going into Baghdad, just remember — and those of you who had to fly in, you do those circular deals so we wouldn’t get shot at, we wouldn’t get hit.
I walked up in the cockpit of a silver bullet that they had me in. And I asked — I said, “How many…” — there were five people in the cockpit at the time — the loadmaster as well. I said, “How many is this your first tour?” Nobody raised their hand. “How many the second tour?” Nobody raised their hand. “Third tour?” Two raised their hand. “Fourth tour?” Two raised their hand. “Fifth tour?” One raised their hand. No other war have you gone in, served, and got back up and go back again and again and again. Once. Once.
Wiping the blood off the seat of an up-armored HMMWV is enough to get you focused. Then to saddle up next time and go back and back again? You’re incredible. You’re incredible.
The country — they owe you, and they’re — this time, they’re more appreciative. In my generation, you didn’t come home and get off an airplane in a uniform in an airport coming back from Vietnam. People will treat you with respect, but they have no idea the sacrifices you make in theater.
As we bring — as we get close to bringing down the longest war drawdown in American history — our troop presence in Afghanistan — I want to recognize the significance to — of what all of you, the United States Armed Forces, have accomplished in the past 20 years.
Went to Afghanistan with a clear purpose: to get the people who attacked us on 9/11 and to prevent al Qaeda from using Afghanistan as a base from which to attack America in the future. To achieve that purpose — you achieved that purpose. Year after year, deployment after deployment, American troops pursued the terrorist threat through some of the most unforgiving terrain on the planet.
I have now had the pleasure, as they say, of being to every part of Afghanistan, from the FOBs up in the Kunar Valley; down south, looking at all those poppy fields; and all in between. It’s one godforsaken landscape.
But you all just showed up and did your job, and it helped make sure there hasn’t been another attack on the homeland from Afghanistan for the last 20 years. And you never gave up until we delivered justice to Osama bin Laden.
I got criticized after 9/11 for saying, “We’ll follow the son of a bi- — gun to the gates of hell until we get him.” It’s exactly what you did. That’s exactly what you did. And you got him.
And now, as we draw down, we’re also going to focus on the urgent work of rebuilding over-the-horizon capabilities that’ll allow us to take out al Qaeda if they return to Afghanistan — but to focus on the threat that has metastasized.
The greatest threat and likelihood of attack from al Qaeda or ISIS is not going to be from Afghanistan; it’s going to be from five other regions of the world that have significantly more presence of both al Qaeda and organizational structures, including ISIS.
We’re going to update our security stance and turn our forces to the threats that will dominate our future to ensure the security of the American people for decades to come.
But we’ll never, ever, ever forget the terrible cost that we paid as a nation. Many of you likely have lost friends and colleagues in Afghanistan and Iraq. I know this is personal to you, especially as you head into Memorial Day weekend. We as a nation will always remember and pay tribute to those we lost.
After I announced my decision to end the war in Afghanistan, the first thing I did was visit — visit Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery — just walked through those headstones, seeing all those stones.
Our son did not die in Iraq, but he came back — went as an incredibly healthy young man and came back with a severe brain tumor because his hooch was just downwind from those burn pits — I don’t know if that’s the reason. But he came home — it was just a matter of how long he lived.
I still carry with me — every single solitary day I have my staff, for the last — since the war began — I have my schedule. In the back of my schedule, it says, “U.S. daily troop update. U.S. troops died in Iraq and Afghanistan: 6,927” — not “over 6,000.” Total fallen angels across the board: over 7,000.
Every one of these lives lost is a tragedy, an empty seat at the dinner table, a missing voice at the holidays. Every one of them left behind a whole community — not just one, a whole community. We can never repay that debt. But I promise you this — and to all the Gold Star families across the country: We will never, ever, ever, ever forget.
Each year, Memorial Day offers us a chance to reflect on the enormity of the sacrifices that generation after generation of Americans has made and the responsibilities that we bear — the citizens bear in return.
I’ve said many times — it used to get me in trouble 25 years ago, 30 years ago in the Senate — I said, “America has many obligations. We only have one sacred obligation. We have obligations to our children, to the elderly, and so many more things, but only one sacred obligation — is to prepare you, when we send you into harm’s way, with everything you need; to care for your families when you’re gone; when you come home, care for you and your families, and the needs that may be a consequence of the war.”
We owe it. We owe it to you. We particularly owe it to their memories to affirm the very best of what America stands for — to uphold honor and democratic values that are the foundation and the strength of this nation.
You know, I sometimes get criticized for saying what I deeply believe, having done this for the bulk of my life. We’re in a — we’re in a battle between democracies and autocracies. The more complicated the world becomes, the more difficult it is for democracies to come together and reach consensus. I’ve spent more time with President Xi of China than any world leader has — for 24 hours of private meetings with him with just an interpreter; 17,000 miles traveling with him in China and here. He firmly believes that China, before the year ’30, ’35, is going to own America because autocracies can make quick decisions.
But America is unique. From all nations in the world, we’re the only nation organized based on an idea. Every other nation you can define by their ethnicity, their geography, their religion, except America. America is born out of an idea: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men [and women] are created equal… endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, [including] Life, Liberty,” et cetera.
None of you get your rights from your government; you get your rights merely because you’re a child of God. The government is there to protect those God-given rights. No other government has been based on that notion. No one can defeat us except us.
It’s an idea that generations of patriots have fought and died for to defend it. I know that’s a conviction that each and every day you all share. That’s why you joined up, why you run around danger when duty calls.
It’s my greatest honor — it should not surprise anybody; it should be anybody’s greatest honor in all of life — to be able to serve as your Commander-in-Chief. No greater honor.
So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for spending this time with me today. And thank you for your commitment to our country, because without you, as I said — I’ll be — end where I began: You are the spine of America — the spine.
And I can’t tell you how much it matters. I think you underestimate just the consequence of who you are and what you do.
So, thank you. May God bless you. And may God protect our troops. Thanks. (Applause.)
2:29 P.M. EDT
Statement by President Joe Biden on the Rise of Anti-Semitic Attacks
MAY 28, 2021
In the last weeks, our nation has seen a series of anti-Semitic attacks, targeting and terrorizing American Jews.
We have seen a brick thrown through window of a Jewish-owned business in Manhattan, a swastika carved into the door of a synagogue in Salt Lake City, families threatened outside a restaurant in Los Angeles, and museums in Florida and Alaska, dedicated to celebrating Jewish life and culture and remembering the Holocaust, vandalized with anti-Jewish messages.
These attacks are despicable, unconscionable, un-American, and they must stop.
I will not allow our fellow Americans to be intimidated or attacked because of who they are or the faith they practice.
We cannot allow the toxic combination of hatred, dangerous lies, and conspiracy theories to put our fellow Americans at risk.
As Attorney General Garland announced yesterday, the Department of Justice will be deploying all of the tools at its disposal to combat hate crimes.
In recent days, we have seen that no community is immune. We must all stand together to silence these terrible and terrifying echoes of the worst chapters in world history, and pledge to give hate no safe harbor.
May is Jewish American Heritage Month, when we honor Jewish Americans who have inextricably woven their experience and their accomplishments into the fabric of our national identity; overcoming the pain of history, and helping lead our struggle for a more fair, just, and tolerant society.
Let us all take up that work and create a nation that stands for, and stands up for, the dignity and safety of all of our people.
Remarks by President Biden Celebrating the Significant Progress Virginia Has Made in the Fight Against COVID-19
MAY 28, 2021
Sportrock Climbing Center
Alexandria, Virginia
12:02 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: I don’t know about you all, but following a governor, introducing the President in front of about half the legislature and the national press when I was junior in high school — no, it wouldn’t be close. (Laughter.) I just want you to remember me when you’re President. When I go by, don’t say, “Joe, who?” Okay? Promise me? (Laughter.)
Before I begin, I’d like to say a quick word about an old friend of mine — a quick word about Senator John Warner. I had the privilege of serving with John for three decades in the United States Senate. And I can say, without hesitation, he was a man of conscience and a man of honor. And in his life full of honors, the most enduring was his service to the people of Virginia. And we’re going to miss him dearly.
And, you know, John took chances. I was stunned — pleased and stunned when, in the middle of my primary, John endorsed me for President of the United States. It was how things sort of used to be back in the old days in the United States when I first got there. People — that wouldn’t — didn’t happen that often, but people would cross the aisle to work with one another.
John was a man of great integrity, and — and he’s missed — going to be missed. And Virginia was just fortunate to have him as long as they did.
Now, Jacob, I want to thank you for sharing your story. And I want to — you pointed out that my wife works for the governor. (Laughter.) No wonder she doesn’t pay attention to me when I’m in — around the governor.
But all kidding aside, I’m very proud of the fact that Jill has — teaching is not what Jill does; teaching is who she is. And she’s done it her — her whole adult life, and she’s still doing it.
I know some people said, “When you’re First Lady, are you going to continue to teach?” She said, “Yes,” but I don’t think she bargained for having to teach online initially. (Laughter.) You know, I — students — I watched her. She spent more time — four hours a day for about a month — learning how to teach online. So don’t feel bad about you all having to do it too. (Laughter.) I watch the teachers have to do it.
Any rate — and I just want to say that, you know, we’re in a position now — Governor Northam, I want to thank you for your welcome to the Commonwealth. And I want to thank you for all you’re doing to help win the fight against COVID. You’re one of the best governors in the country in taking this on, and you did it from the beginning. (Applause.)
And, Mayor Wilson, thanks for the passport into the city. (Laughter.) I promise I’ll leave in time, but thank you. (Applause.)
And Congressman Connolly and Beyer, they are both members of Congress but Congressman Connolly got to the Congress with a real impediment. He worked for me for years before that on my staff. (Laughter.) And everything has gone downhill since you left, Gerald. (Laughter.) But thank you.
And I want to thank the Speaker as well and the Senate Majority Leader, as well as thank all of you working so hard for the people here in Northern Virginia.
Four months after I took office, we’re further along in this fight than anyone thought possible.
Let’s remember where we were 129 days ago: When I took office, we were averaging 184,000 cases per day nationwide. Here in Virginia, as the governor pointed out, schools were closed. Main Street had gone quiet here and in cities all across America. Virginia Tech, didn’t play in a bowl game this winter — first time in 28 years. And so many joys of life, large and small, had been halted by a long, dark winter.
And, today, we’ve gone from 184 [thousand] cases per day nationwide to fewer than 22 cases — 22,000 cases per day. Deaths have dropped by over 85 percent. Tens of thousands of moms and dads, grandpops and grandmoms, brothers, sisters, neighbors, friends are still with us today who would otherwise have been lost.
This has been true here in Virginia particularly. From 43,000 cases the week before I took office to fewer than 2,800 in the past week — a 93 percent decline.
We’ve been able to do it for three reasons. First, we planned and executed a vaccination effort at a scale and speed never before seen here or anywhere in the world.
Here in Virginia, that meant $247 million in federal funding for community vaccinations sites; over 360 federally funded National Guard members supporting this state’s COVID-19 response; getting doses to community healthcare centers, a thousand pharmacies all across Virginia; and creating a mass vaccination site in Norfolk initially run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Navy in partnership with Virginia.
The second reason that we succeeded is: Governors, like Governor Northam, have been instrumental partners. Leaders in red states and blue states working with businesses, faith leaders, community groups to get it done at a local level.
And thirdly and most crucially, the American people. More than 165 million Americans so far have done their patriotic duty; 165 million have gotten at least one shot. Americans of every party, every race, and creed have come together and rolled up their sleeves, literally, and done their part.
Now 51 percent of American adults have been fully vaccinated. Seventy-five percent of seniors are fully vac- — vaccinated, leaving nobody behind: Black, white, Hispanic. Across the world — across the board, they’ve been getting their vaccinations.
In Virginia, 55 percent — as the Governor said — of all adults are vaccinated. I believe that’s the right number, Gov. And look at what that means: We aren’t just saving lives; we’re getting our lives back. Stores and restaurants up and down Main Street are hanging “open” signs on their front doors.
And here, in a rock-climbing gym, we’re greeted by another — and we’re greeting one another with smiles, with our masks off. And I’m about to do this 60-foot wall but you — (laughter).
I’ll tell you what: I work out every morning, but I said, “I — I have trouble holding those grips there.” (Laughter.) And the young man said to me — he said, “The way to work your hands…” — he said, “get a kettlebell, a light one, and just put it under your fingers and work it that way.” Tonight, I’m trying. (Laughter.)
But, folks, look, in Norfolk and Fredericksburg, fans are — are heading back to the Minor League ballparks, pools and parks are opening up across the state, families are heading down to spend Memorial Day weekend in Virginia Beach.
And all over the country, we’ve gone from pain and stagnation of a long, dark winter to an economy on the move, growing faster than it has in nearly 40 years. From anemic job creation in the months before I took office, to the fastest job creation in the first three months of any administration in American history and rising wages. Rising wages. (Applause.)
As more Americans get vaccinated, the days grow brighter and brighter. But let me be clear: We’re not done yet. We have to reach those who are not vaccinated and make it as easy as possible for them to get protected.
I set an ambitious goal of getting 70 percent of adult Americans at least one shot by July the 4th. Today, just over a month to go, we’re at 62 percent. Ten states have already reached the 70 percent milestone. Virginia is at 66; it’s moving closer every day.
And continuing on all — counting on — on just all the help and continuing this process is really — I think you’re going to get the job done here in Virginia pretty quickly, Gov.
To hit 70 percent and keep sprinting through the finish line is what we’re all about. If we succeed, we can celebrate our independence from the virus together on the Fourth of July as we celebrate our independence as a nation. And the future is only going to get brighter because there will be no doubt what America can achieve when we do it together.
I know when I ran for office I said I wanted to do three things, one of which was to unite the country. It’s difficult, but this is the first real evidence that we’re able to do it. The American people are more ready to come together, I believe, than the Congress and the elected officials are, but we’re getting there.
If you aren’t vaccinated yet, it’s never been easier. If convenience is the issue, there are 80,000 locations. Visit Vaccines.gov or text your ZIP Code to 438829 and you’ll find the sites nearest you; it will pop up immediately. And in almost all cases, you don’t need an appointment.
If transportation is an issue — I want to thank Lyft and Uber. They’ve come forward and they’ve offered free rides to and from vaccination sites through the July 4th. So anybody who says they can’t get there, call Lyft or Uber. They’re doing a patriotic thing. They’ll come and pick you up, take you to the vaccination center, get you, wait for you, and take you back to your home or wherever you emerged from.
And, you know, if cost is an issue, don’t let — don’t be concerned; the vaccine is 100 percent free. And if time is an issue, there are 10,000 [tens of thousands] sites offering vaccinations without an appointment — 1,000 pharmacies in Virginia alone. And the vast majority offer no appointment — with no appointment required.
We’ve made extraordinary progress. Every American should be proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we did it together. But we still have five weeks left to hit our goal. You know, we — and I know we can do it. Just look at what we’ve done so far.
There’s not a single thing — and I’ve been saying this a long time — and I think a lot of the press, they’re smart as the devil, think I’m being naïve — there’s nothing we cannot accomplish if we do it together. I really believe that. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing we’ve ever set our mind to as Americans that we’ve failed at when we’ve done it together. And, Virginia, you know you’re doing your part.
So, you know, I remember I always would hear the — in the last administration, I’d hear when they’d talk about vaccines and that, “We’re going to — and we’re going to make great — great progress.” And they’d say, “There’s light at the end of the tunnel.” I was reminded of my generation in the ’60s. There was a very raunchy comedian who’d say, “Yeah, there’s light…” — when he’s talking about the Vietnam War. He said, “Yeah, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a freight train.”
Well, this time there’s sunlight at the end of the tunnel. There’s real light. There’s real light.
And, Gov — I really mean this; I’m not being political — you’ve done one hell of a job, Doc. You’ve done a hell of a job and it matters. It matters.
So I want to thank you all. God bless you. God protect our troops.
12:15 P.M. EDT
A Proclamation: Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2021
MAY 28, 2021
On Memorial Day, we honor and reflect upon the courage, integrity, and selfless dedication of the members of our Armed Forces who have made the greatest sacrifice in service to our Nation. Whether in the waters of the Pacific, on the beachheads of Europe, in the deserts of the Middle East, or in the mountains of Afghanistan, American service members have given their lives to uphold our Constitution and to defend the safety and freedoms of our citizens. These patriots embody the best of the American spirit. They put themselves on the line for our shared values — for duty, honor, country — and they paid the ultimate price. Our Nation can never fully repay the debt we owe to our fallen heroes and their families.
Jill and I know what it means to have a child serving in a war zone — the ever-present concern for your loved one and their fellow service members. Today and every day, we ask God to protect our troops. We also recognize the tremendous loss endured by America’s Gold Star families — the families of military members who died in conflict. We have a sacred obligation as a Nation to support those families and to always honor the memories of their loved ones.
That is the vow we make each year on Memorial Day. Our Nation will never forget the courage and patriotism demonstrated by the countless women and men who laid down their lives so that we may continue to pursue a more perfect Union and to protect the unalienable rights Americans hold dear. They came from every part of the country, of every background and belief, united by a shared belief in our uniquely American creed — that all people are created equal. We will honor their legacy by continuing our work to live up to that commitment and to advance the values they lived and died to defend. We will continue to fight for equity and inclusion in our country and institutions, and ensure every qualified American who is willing to serve our country — regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background — has a fair and equal opportunity to do so.
We will continue to honor our fallen service members through the actions of a new generation who volunteer to serve in uniform, who anchor our military to our democratic values, and who stand ready to deter aggression from our enemies and, if required, fight and defend our Nation. Today — as we keep true to the memory of our fallen heroes — we will endeavor to meet their legacy and once more lead the world through the power of our example and not just the example of our power.
As our Nation’s service members continue to risk their lives to protect our homeland and thwart our enemies, we must not lose sight of our desire for enduring peace. Every day, countless Americans pray and work for peace so that we may one day live in a world where American patriots need not make the ultimate sacrifice, and where all people live in freedom and prosperity. As a Nation, we are grateful to the brave members of our Armed Services — both past and present — who have forged the legacy for that possibility.
In honor and recognition of all of our fallen service members, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer and reflection. The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 31, 2021, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time when people might unite in prayer and reflection. I urge the press, radio, television, and all other information media to cooperate in this observance. I further ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.
I request the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
