Biden says each generation has to ‘earn’ freedom, in solemn Memorial Day remarks

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden marked Memorial Day with a promise that the country would continue the work of the fallen toward a more perfect union, “the one they lived for and the one they died for.”

At a solemn memorial ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Biden said every generation must ensure that the sacrifice of the nation’s service members is not in vain.

“Freedom is never guaranteed,” Biden said under gray skies at the memorial amphitheater. “Every generation must earn it, fight for it, defend it in the struggle between autocracy and democracy, between the greed of the few and the rights of the many.”

He added: “On this day we came together again to reflect, to remember and, above all, to recommit to the future they fought for, a future founded on freedom, democracy, opportunity and equality. Not just for some, but for everyone.”

Before the ceremony began, Biden, along with Vice President Kamala Harris and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

In his remarks this week, Biden invoked the anniversary of the death of his son Beau, who served in Iraq and later died of brain cancer, which the president attributed to his time stationed near toxic burns, to emphasize the importance of honoring the service of those who came home with injuries, in addition to the dead.

“Last year, the VA provided more benefits and processed more claims than ever in our history,” Biden said, crediting the PACT Act that provides automatic coverage for certain veterans’ health conditions by presuming they result from their military employ. Long after fighting for our nation, these veterans had to fight to get proper health care, to get the benefits they earned, and no more.

Biden started the day by hosting a breakfast at the White House for government officials, military leaders, veterans and Gold Star family members.