Email from Vice President Biden: "A Sacred Obligation"

Ezra Mechaber
Ezra Mechaber
November 11, 2014
05:52 PM EST

Earlier today, Vice President Biden sent this message to the White House email list in honor of Veterans Day. Didn't get it? Make sure you sign up for email updates here.

Mike Erwin saw tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. And when he got home, he kept on serving.

When he came home, he started a community service group. Because, despite everything that Mike had given to his country by serving overseas, he wanted to serve his country at home, as well. This morning on Veterans Day, I had the honor of welcoming Mike and a team of his fellow veterans to the White House -- where they presented a flag they had run across the United States in two months, starting on September 11, 2014.

I've met countless members of our armed forces like Mike over the years. And no matter where or when they served, I am always humbled by their selfless commitment to our country. Our veterans represent the absolute best we have to offer.

They are the heart and soul -- the very spine -- of this nation.

As we give thanks to our veterans, we say thanks to the men and women still serving. Take a moment to thank our troops.

Today, there are still thousands of warriors serving in harm's way. I know them. I've been with them. I've seen the incredible sacrifices they make every day for all of us.

And just like the veterans of past wars, today's returning troops deserve our enduring gratitude.

As my wife Jill points out, less than 1 percent of America's population serves in uniform, but more than 99 percent of Americans owe that 1 percent much more than we could ever repay. We owe them, and we owe their sons and daughters, husbands and wives, too.

It's our sacred obligation to care for and equip those who we send to war, and care for them and their families when they come home.

God bless America and may God protect our troops,

Vice President Joe Biden

Related Topics: Veterans

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Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
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Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko

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The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
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Statement by the Vice President on the Nomination of Tony Blinken as Deputy Secretary of State

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The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 06, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with President Rousseff of Brazil

The Vice President called President Dilma Rousseff this morning to congratulate her on her re-election. The two reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral relationship and agreed to work together to advance U.S.-Brazil cooperation. The Vice President noted the importance of the growing global partnership between our two countries, as well as the close bonds between the American and Brazilian people. He also told President Rousseff he looked forward to meeting with her again soon to engage on a broad agenda.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 01, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades

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The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
October 30, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron

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The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
October 30, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk

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The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
October 30, 2014

Statement by the Vice President on the Passing of Tom Menino

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The poet R. G. Ingersoll could have been describing Tommy when he wrote:

“When the will defies fear;
When duty throws the gauntlet down to fate;
When honor scorns compromise with death - - this is heroism!”
 

In the days following the Boston Marathon bombing Tommy was heroic. He was calm in the face of uncertainty, and resolute as the whole world watched.

Even as he should have been in bed, Tommy stood tall, marching through the streets of Boston with a Louisville Slugger for a walking stick. He was determined to protect the people of his city, whether from high profile tragedies like the bombing or the everyday tragedies of gun violence as a leading member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

It was an honor to work with Tommy on the investments that improved Boston’s neighborhoods, schools, housing and infrastructure. The “Menino Way” is evident in every park, every school, and every corner of Boston that emerged safer, cleaner, and stronger than before.

His legacy will live on in the city he loved, and in the example he set for public servants everywhere.

Boston’s first Italian-American Mayor earned what my mother always said was the highest compliment we Irish can give: He was a good man.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
October 29, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness

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The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
October 29, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny

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