The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
The Vice President and Dr. Biden attend a barbecue for Wounded Warriors and their families, at the Naval Observatory Residence, in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
Last night, Joe and I had the tremendous honor of hosting Wounded Warriors and their families from Walter Reed, Fort Belvoir, and Fort Meade at our home for a barbecue. I can think of no better way to commemorate the solemn anniversary of September 11, 2001 than by spending time with these incredible men and women who stepped up to serve our nation.
Vice President Joe Biden watches First Lieutenant Jason Church as he hits a birdieball, during a barbecue for Wounded Warriors and their families, at the Naval Observatory Residence, in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann) September 11, 2013. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
As Joe said, their generation is “the most remarkable in the history of this country.” I could not agree more. Since September 11, 2001, more than 3.5 million men and women have volunteered to serve in the military, including more than a third who have deployed multiple times.
I have many roles: Second Lady, teacher, grandmother, but one that I am most proud of is that of a military mom. Our son Beau served for a year in Iraq and our son Hunter is an ensign in the Navy. We understand that we are indebted not only to those that serve in uniform, but also to their families, who also serve in so many ways.
That’s one reason First Lady Michelle Obama and I have spent the last few years working on our Joining Forces initiative, to find ways for all Americans to support our service men and women and their families. We have been inspired by the many ways community groups, businesses, teachers, doctors, nurses, and individuals have stepped up to help.
Dr. Jill Biden chats with attendees during a barbecue that she and Vice President Joe Biden hosted for Wounded Warriors and their families, at the Naval Observatory Residence, in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann) September 11, 2013. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
Less than one percent of the American population has served. But the other 99 percent of us owe them, and their families. As Joe said, our “admiration for you is beyond my ability to express.”
