President Biden paid tribute to veterans who died in America’s wars at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, hailing them as “a link in the chain of honor” who deserve recognition for protecting the country’s democracy.
“Freedom was never guaranteed,” Mr. Biden said in a nine-minute Memorial Day address, shortly after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown.
“Every generation has to earn it. Fight for it. “Defend it in the battle between autocracy and democracy,” he said of the nation’s veterans. “Our democracy is more than just a system of government. It is the true soul of America.”
His sombre message contrasted sharply with that of former President Donald J. Trump, his re-election challenger this year, who posted an angry and inflammatory Memorial Day message on his social media page.
“Happy Memorial Day to everyone, including the human scum who are working so hard to destroy our once great country,” the former president wrote on Truth Social.
Mr. Trump also wished Lewis Kaplan, the federal judge who oversaw the trials accusing the former president of defamation, a happy Memorial Day. Mr. Trump called Judge Kaplan “the radical leftist who hates the federal judge.” He also called Judge Arthur F. Engoron, who led Trump’s civil fraud case, a “lunatic.”
In an earlier, more traditional Memorial Day missive on Truth Social, Mr. Trump posted a photo of himself saluting a wreath as president and saying, “WE CAN NEVER REPLACE YOU.” WE CAN NEVER REPAY YOU. BUT WE CAN ALWAYS REMEMBER.”
But a few minutes later, his snappy post followed, reminding us of the big differences between the two rivals for the White House. As he has done for years, Mr. Trump showed that neither as president nor as a presidential candidate would he adhere to the norms of behavior that guide world leaders on a somber national holiday.
By contrast, Mr. Biden’s performance was typical of the kind of message delivered by other presidents of both parties.
He focused primarily on the victims of the past – service members who died in Afghanistan, Korea, Vietnam and the two world wars.
“Our fallen heroes brought us closer today,” he said. “We are not just happy heirs to their legacy. We have the responsibility to be the guardians of their mission, the truest monument of their lives.”
Mr. Biden made no mention of the wars raging in Europe and the Middle East, where he has pledged not to send American soldiers to fight alongside allies in Ukraine or Israel. Nevertheless, the United States became involved in both conflicts. The military contributes to humanitarian aid in Gaza and equips and supports fighters against Russia and Hamas in both places.
Mr. Biden took a moment during the speech to remember his son Beau, who died of brain cancer after serving in Iraq as a member of the National Guard. The president has long said he believes his son developed cancer because he lived next to open “burn pits” in Iraq, where the military burned waste and produced toxic smoke that soldiers nearby inhaled.
“This week marks nine years since I lost my son,” the president said, adding that Beau Biden’s death was “not the same” as the deaths of soldiers who lost their lives in combat.
“The pain of his loss still stays with me every day, just like you,” he said. “Still sharp, still clear. But that also applies to pride.”
It is that pride, the president said, that Americans must remember when service members return from battle or when their grieving family members receive their remains.
Mr. Biden has repeatedly said he believes the country’s “most sacred” duty is caring for service members returning home from battle or caring for the relatives of those who have died. On Monday, he repeated that promise again.
He welcomed the 2022 passage of a law he had championed to make it easier for military members to receive health care and other benefits for ailments most likely caused by burns and other toxic exposures.
Mr. Biden said the legislation and other efforts to support veterans were an expression of gratitude from a grateful nation.
“Gratitude goes out to our fallen heroes,” he said. “Thanks to the families who stayed behind. And thanks to the brave souls who continue to keep the flame of freedom alive in our country and around the world.”
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2024-05-27 17:38:14
www.nytimes.com
