Arlington (Washington Insider Magazine) -President Joe Biden observed Veterans Day on Thursday at Arlington National Cemetery, paying tribute to those who have served and placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
During a speech in Arlington, Biden stated that having served is a badge of courage that unifies people of all ages and backgrounds, since being a veteran means having faced and overcome difficulties that most Americans will never know.
During his remarks, the president saluted three soldiers who died in recent weeks: Gen. Colin Powell, Sen. Max Cleland, and Gen. Ray Odierno, saying they encouraged generations of Americans to stand up to protect our country.
The President notably acknowledged those who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, including those who died and others who returned with “psychological wounds of war” and other physical concerns.
He also made an appeal to individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues, and he stated that his administration was committed to ensuring that the expanding population of women and LGBTQ+ veterans receive proper treatment and support.
Earlier in the day, the President received veterans and members of the military community at the White House and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the centenary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The wreath-laying drew some 50 invited visitors, including military leaders and veterans and their families, as well as Cabinet secretaries, top administration officials, and members of Congress.
Biden introduced a new military and veteran suicide prevention plan on Tuesday, which includes advocating safe firearms storage and detailing best practices for firearm dealers.
Earlier Thursday, the Biden administration announced a slew of new benefits for veterans who were exposed to toxins and environmental risks while serving, such as fire pits.
At military bases throughout Iraq and Afghanistan, burn pits were utilized to incinerate several types of garbage, hazardous materials, and chemical compounds. According to a 2020 poll conducted by the group Iraq and Afghanistan Soldiers of America, 86% of post-9/11 veterans who fought in Iraq or Afghanistan were exposed to fire pits.
The actions, which the White House highlighted in a fact sheet, aim to increase our understanding of the health impacts of military-related exposures, educate providers and veterans about these exposures, and offer those who were exposed with faster access to health services and benefits.