Biden, Delaware leaders renew vow to care for veterans at Memorial Day ceremony

President Joe Biden and state and federal officials gathered at a Delaware Memorial Day ceremony to honor those who died serving the United States and to call for renewed attention to veterans' care and families left behind.

Nolan Lewis, chair of the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, opened the event and asked attendees to observe a moment of silence for the 15,000 names inscribed on the war memorial. "Please rise for the presentation of the colors," he said, and the ceremony proceeded with the National Guard honor guard and musical tributes.

Former U.S. Senator Tom Carper recalled Decoration Day's origins and Frederick Douglass's appeals to remember the meaning of the occasion, and he credited bipartisan cooperation for producing major infrastructure legislation. "We are," Carper said of policymakers who must act "to stop just talking about rebuilding our infrastructure ... and actually do it."

President Joe Biden, whose remarks tied national memory to personal loss, reflected on his family's sacrifice and the obligation to care for veterans and Gold Star families. "You'll never be alone, and your loved one will never be forgotten," Biden said, urging a national commitment to equip service members and support their families when they return.

Keynote speaker Command Chief Warrant Officer Ernestine Epps recounted her path from foster care to military service and urged the audience to support veterans in transition. Epps warned of continuing crises facing veterans and called on attendees to visit hospitalized veterans and maintain community ties; she cited the figure "22 a day" when referencing veteran suicide as a continuing problem.

U.S. Representative Sarah McBride offered a personal reflection on Beau Biden — noting it is the tenth anniversary of his death — and said "many of us believe" his cancer was linked to toxic burn pits experienced during service, a point McBride used to underscore the need for health and benefits follow-up for veterans. She also told veterans in the crowd that her office is available to help with benefits and care.

Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay and U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester each urged Delawareans to carry forward the obligation of remembrance into action, praising Gold Star families and local veterans organizations for sustaining memorial work and community support.

Organizers read a long roll call of veterans groups and civic organizations during a floral tribute, and the ceremony closed with a prayer from Chaplain Andrew Weiner, the singing of "God Bless America" led by Specialist Carter Stephon, an honor volley and final thanks from the commission.

The ceremony focused on remembrance and service, featured multiple calls to strengthen care and services for veterans, and offered constituent-facing reminders — including McBride's statement that her office will assist veterans seeking benefits. No formal policy actions or votes were taken at the event; it was a commemorative program of speakers and tributes.