Dr. Jill Biden on Veterans Day: ‘Remember that each of us has the ability to make a difference in the life of a service member’
EmailABC News' Karen Travers reports:Vice President Biden's wife Jill has written an essay for Veterans Day that will be featured in the Nov. 6-8 issue of USA Weekend Magazine.
Dr. Biden writes that she and the vice president will visit Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day and spend time with veterans and soldiers in order to show their thanks.
"On Veterans Day and every day, it's our duty to show appreciation for their service and remember that each of us has the ability to make a difference in the life of a service member," she writes.
In the essay Dr. Biden describes her family's experience during the year her son Beau served in Iraq as a military lawyer and captain in the Delaware Army National Guard's 261st Signal Brigade.
One moment during Beau's deployment was particularly "bittersweet" – Election Night.
Dr. Biden recounts how, after the results were in, a computer was set up outside in Chicago so Beau could watch his family walk onstage and share in the excitement of the victory.
"The moment remains bittersweet, having Beau connected with us to share the moment, but not being there physically," she writes.
Dr. Biden says that a poem she received from a general's wife at Beau's deployment ceremony provided comfort, as did the prayers of friends and strangers, so she returns the favor to the families of those currently serving.
"I can be anywhere during the course of my day — writing on the chalkboard in my classroom, preparing a meal, walking into a meeting — and I just stop, close my eyes and say a quick prayer for those serving us," she writes.
-Karen Travers
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I really appreciate Dr. Biden’s work on behalf of our military.
Posted by: Axey | November 6, 2009, 3:04 pm 3:04 pm
“I can be anywhere during the course of my day — writing on the chalkboard in my classroom, preparing a meal, walking into a meeting — and I just stop, close my eyes and say a quick prayer for those serving us,” she writes.
Apparently Obama picked the wrong Biden as his VP choice.
Posted by: Visualize Whirled Peas | November 6, 2009, 3:35 pm 3:35 pm
“Apparently Obama picked the wrong Biden as his VP choice.”
Agree 100%.
Posted by: WhereWasThePress? | November 6, 2009, 6:28 pm 6:28 pm
What unit did Joe serve in?
Posted by: Nephron | November 6, 2009, 6:52 pm 6:52 pm
This administration has done more for our troops and their families in 10 months than the “tough-talking, jive talking it’s raining while he was pissing” Bush did in 8 years. Good work from the 1st and 2nd Ladies of our country…..at least they’re doing for their own, in their country.
Posted by: sara | November 7, 2009, 6:20 pm 6:20 pm
sara ,ever been in the service?What good is he doing the families of the wounded in Texas that he has not visited?What good has he done for the scores of Americans killed on his watch in Afghanistan?
Posted by: Nephron | November 7, 2009, 8:55 pm 8:55 pm
I agree with Jill Biden’s sentiment that we can all do something for our military and their families, even if it is holding them in our prayers.
Posted by: Lydia | November 8, 2009, 1:30 am 1:30 am
Thank you. We all need to embrace veterans – regardless of our political idology. Liberals (of which I am one) need to clearly acknowledge the sacrifice these families have made to our country. I think most of us are there – but we need to stand up strong. Not for any political reason = but because these are PEOPLE who sacrificied for US. US.
Posted by: Eric Aronson | November 26, 2009, 4:29 am 4:29 am