Last night, a gunman opened fire at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine people including pastor and state senator Clementa Pinckney. The Department of Justice is opening a hate crime investigation into this tragedy.
The President delivered the following statement from the White House Briefing Room:
June 16, 2015 | 27:07 | Public Domain
Vice President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the White House Clean Energy Investment Summit, bringing together major foundations and institutional investors to announce $4 billion to scale up investment in clean energy innovation.
Today, the international community unites to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: a time to bring visibility to the issue of violence experienced by older adults, express intolerance for abuse, and work toward prevention.
A serious human rights violation that too often goes ignored, elder abuse can include physical, psychological, or sexual abuse; neglect; and financial exploitation. Global data indicates 4 to 6% of adults over the age of 60 have experienced at least one of these types of abuse in the past month alone—a conservative estimate that amounts to 36 million cases worldwide. In a 2010 study, 1 in 10 community-residing older adults in the United States reported experiencing abuse the previous year.
Though both women and men can experience abuse in later life, greater female longevity, coupled with women’s higher risk for poverty and social isolation, suggests that elder abuse is a gendered category of violence. In many respects, violence against older women is an extension of the same social norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls earlier in their lives: entrenched gender bias; impunity for abuse; and unhealthy conceptions of masculinity. In fact, violence by an intimate partner or spouse is a common form of elder abuse, though perpetrators can also be a caregiver outside the family, an adult child, or any other person with whom the victim has a relationship of trust.
This week, the President honored the life of Beau Biden, traveled to Germany to meet with G7 leaders, celebrated the achievements of the Affordable Care Act, and met with a reporter who benefited from that very legislation. That's June 5th to June 11th or, "Walking And Holding Hands."
June 11, 2015 | 4:31 | Public Domain
This week, the President honored the life of Beau Biden, traveled to Germany to meet with G7 leaders, celebrated the achievements of the Affordable Care Act, and met with a reporter who benefited from that very legislation. That's June 5th to June 11th or, "Walking And Holding Hands."
"He did in 46 years what most of us couldn’t do in 146.
He left nothing in the tank. He was a man who led a life where the means were as important as the ends. The example he set made you want to be a better dad, or a better son, or a better brother or sister, better at your job, the better soldier.
He made you want to be a better person. Isn’t that finally the measure of a man -– the way he lives, how he treats others, no matter what life may throw at him?"
– President Obama
Today, the Biden family, President Obama, and Americans across the country paid their final respects to a good man who loved deeply, and was loved in return.
A veteran of the Iraq war, the Attorney General of Delaware -- and most importantly -- a dedicated father, husband, and son, Beau Biden was a compassionate, empathetic, public servant who cared about what matters most in life, the people and country he loved.
President Obama delivered a eulogy in honor of Beau Biden at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington, Delaware:
President Barack Obama embraces Vice President Joe Biden after delivering a eulogy during the funeral mass for Beau Biden at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic in Wilmington, Del. June 6, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
A trumpeter before playing Battle Hymn of the Republic, during the funeral service for Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, at St. Anthony’s of Padua, in Wilmington, Del. June 6, 2015. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden touch Beau Biden's casket following the procession during the funeral mass for Beau Biden at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic in Wilmington, Del. June 6, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
The entire Biden family would like to extend our deepest gratitude for all the kindness and compassion that has been shown to our family at this difficult time. Your love and admiration for Beau has touched us beyond measure.
With gratitude,
Hallie, Natalie, Hunter, Joe, Jill, Hunter & Ashley
Beau Biden lived a life of service. He put his duty to his children, his wife, his family, his fellow service-members, and his country first.
On Saturday, May 30, the country lost a good man and a great example of how to spend each day you’re given to better the lives of others.
Read a few words of wisdom that Beau Biden shared during his 46 years of life. They reveal much about the most beloved man we mourn — and the incredible legacy he leaves behind.
The White House
Office of the Vice President
Later this week, there will be services to honor the life of Beau Biden. These services will be open to the public.
On Thursday, Beau will lie in honor at Legislative Hall in Dover, Delaware between 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM ET.
On Friday, there will be a viewing at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church in Wilmington, Delaware between 1:00 - 4:00 PM ET and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET.
On Saturday at 10:30 AM ET, there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church in Wilmington, Delaware. President Obama will deliver a eulogy in honor of Beau Biden at this mass.
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On behalf of the Biden family, Hallie Biden has requested that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Beau Biden do so to the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children at: www.beaubidenfoundation.org
On Saturday, May 30, our country lost a dedicated public servant – a fighter for justice on the frontlines of war and in the courts here at home. A committed son, father, and husband, Beau Biden put his family first. His was a life we all strive to lead.
For all who knew him, who were inspired by his example, who share the passion for service that guided every day he lived, please offer your thoughts, prayers, and a message that will be shared with the Biden family as they grieve the loss and honor the memory of a most cherished man.
Then Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Beau Biden on stage together at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, August 27, 2008. (REUTERS/Chris Wattie)
The White House
Office of the Vice President
It is with broken hearts that Hallie, Hunter, Ashley, Jill and I announce the passing of our husband, brother and son, Beau, after he battled brain cancer with the same integrity, courage and strength he demonstrated every day of his life.
The entire Biden family is saddened beyond words. We know that Beau’s spirit will live on in all of us—especially through his brave wife, Hallie, and two remarkable children, Natalie and Hunter.
Beau's life was defined by service to others. As a young lawyer, he worked to establish the rule of law in war-torn Kosovo. A major in the Delaware National Guard, he was an Iraq War veteran and was awarded the Bronze Star. As Delaware’s Attorney General, he fought for the powerless and made it his mission to protect children from abuse.
More than his professional accomplishments, Beau measured himself as a husband, father, son and brother. His absolute honor made him a role model for our family. Beau embodied my father's saying that a parent knows success when his child turns out better than he did.
In the words of the Biden family: Beau Biden was, quite simply, the finest man any of us have ever known.
