Joe Biden honors late son Beau in Memorial Day message, says he can still hear him telling 'it's my duty, dad'

WASHINGTON, DC.: President Joe Biden delivered a poignant address at Arlington, Cemetery to commemorate Memorial Day on Monday, May 27, and honored his late son Beau Biden.

Honoring the sacrifices of the members of the armed forces who have died in combat, Biden said, “We gather at this sacred place at this solemn moment to remember and to honor the sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of women and men have given their lives to this nation."

Joe Biden says the 'hurt is real' as he remembers late son Beau

Speaking at the ceremony attended by a large crowd, the president emphasized the deep historical roots of the sacrifices of the military members.

“Each one, literally, a link in the chain of honor stretching back to our founding days, each one bound by common commitment not to a place, not to a person, not to a president, but to an idea unlike any idea in human history: the idea of the United States of America,” he said.

The 156th observance of the day was marked by moments of solemn remembrance and personal reflection.

Addressing the families of fallen veterans, Biden said, “I know it hurts. The hurt is still real. Still raw."

"This week marks nine years since I lost my son Beau," he said of his son who died in 2015 from brain cancer believed to be linked to toxic chemical exposure during his service in the Iraq War.

“The pain of his loss is with me every day, as it is with you. Still sharp. Still clear. But so is the pride I feel in the service. As if I can still hear him saying, ‘It’s my duty, Dad. It’s my duty,’” said Biden.

Joe Biden highlights his commitment to veterans

At the ceremony in Arlington, the president was joined by first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, and Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown Jr, according to The Hill.

In the speech, Biden highlighted his administration's dedication to supporting veterans and their families.

“Since I took office, I’ve signed over 30 bipartisan laws supporting servicemen, veterans and their families and caregivers and survivors,” said the president.

“Last year, VA delivered more benefits and process more claims than ever in our history. I’ve long said we have many obligations as a nation,” Biden explained.

“We only have one truly sacred obligation, prepare those we send to the battle and to take care of their families when they come home, and when they don’t," he added.